The Private Sector Commission and the National COVID-19 Task Force are at odds and it has to do with a warning that was issued to the Palm Court Restaurant and Bar.
The Main street bar has been accused of breaching the COVID-19 guidelines issued by the Task Force, now this comes even as the COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise. In a release to the media, the PSC threatened to withdraw from the National Task Force and said their action leaves much to be desired.
The PSC said the Task Force must be aware, as it is public knowledge, “that hundreds of businesses operate in a similar manner to that of Palm Court.
Hence, this action would appear to be biased and discriminatory, the PSC’s letter noted. There is a 10:30 pm to 4:00 am Curfew in place, but bars are restricted from being opened.
The National COVID-19 Task Force has said that this is the final warning to the Restaurant and Bar.
Meanwhile, the National Task Force Secretariat has responded to the PSC and stated that thus far, first letters of warning have been sent to a total of 42 businesses regarding breaches of COVID-19 Guidelines. Among those 42, a total of 20 of them have been issued with final warning letters for continued breaches.
The task force noted that the PSC plays a vital role as part of the Task Force and the Ministry believes that the matter concerning the Palm Court Restaurant and Bar could be resolved mutually and collaboratively as done by other businesses that were written to.
The Ministry and the NCTFS kindly encourage the PSC against taking any decision to withdraw from the Task Force, as the Government of Guyana has purposely chosen an inclusive approach, not only to the composition of the NCTFS but also to the ongoing national COVID-19 response.
The release noted that as the PSC correctly pointed out, the mandate of the National Covid-19 Task Force was given by none other than the President of Guyana, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and both the Task Force Chairman, Prime Minister Hon. Brigadier (rtd.) Mark Phillips, and Co-Chairman, Minister of Health Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, believe that every citizen and every sector, including the PSC Chairman and the entire Commission, must play their part to ensure this mandate is achieved.