…coronavirus threat over? – Lawrence, Ramjattan silent
Government has reopened the ‘backtrack’ service between Guyana and Suriname, after one week of closure during the elections period.
Former Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, who is also the Chair of People’s National Congress (PNC) had written to former Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan to cease service between Guyana and Suriname from February 29 to March 7, as a result of the alleged threat of coronavirus.
This publication understands that while Guyana would have opened the services on their end, Suriname had still closed theirs up until Sunday evening.
In a correspondence seen by this publication, permission was sought from Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan to completely close the service, which is plied from Number 78 Village in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
This, the document noted, was owing to the fact that there might not be enough resources to monitor visitors entering the country amid the coronavirus outbreak, referred to as COVID-19. At this time, the document noted that travel activity can increase, posing a threat to citizens.
“Given the increase in the number of cases in Germany and France, I am requesting that the backtrack entry to travellers from Suriname be closed during the period February 29 through March 7,” the letter indicated.
The Moleson Creek operations, however, remained functional throughout these days.
Guyana Times International was unable to contact both Lawrence and Ramjattan to determine whether the threat has now over. When contacted, a senior public health official said that he is unaware about the situation and it is only Lawrence who would be able to comment on the issue.
Apart from this closure, the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) had announced that a decision was taken to limit ferries travelling the Parika route to Supenaam, Leguan and Wakenaam on Elections Day – March 2. Additionally, no ferry services were available between Parika and Bartica on the said day. This announcement was made at a time when many individuals planned on using the boat services to return home, or access their respective Polling Stations to vote. However, no rationale was given behind the sudden move.
On March 2, PPP/C Presidential Candidate Dr Irfaan Ali explained that many persons were affected by this decision. He said his party had to put systems in place to help voters travel across the river to access their polling places.
