With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) already forcing government and private sector agencies to curtail their operations, many citizens have either been laid-off, or have been placed on alternative arrangements. The government – through the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) – is discussing with stakeholders, the possibility of providing relief to those affected.
Chairman of the NCTF, Prime Minister (PM) Moses Nagamootoo, made this revelation during a virtual press conference this afternoon.
“There are discussions right now based on recommendations that were made; 156 pages…of recommendations of measures that could be implemented to have social relief,” he said.
The PM noted that the Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC), the Private Sector and other Civil Social partners are in consultation to provide hampers to persons who are vulnerable “as a result of not being able to access employment, or regular pay”.
“The recommendations are going to be looked into and we are hoping that some relief – not just what they call the economic stimulus packages but social impact packages – will be rolled out at some point in time. A committee has been set up to look into the recommendations that have been forwarded, and we’re hoping that these can go to the Ministry of Finance,” he said.
The PM also expressed gratitude to overseas-based Guyanese for not just making recommendations, but by signaling their willingness to assist in bringing relief to Guyana.
“…[There are Guyanese, who are saying: ‘Look, we’re living here in the United States and we’ve hoped that these measures could have been enforced here in New York (for example)’. They’re volunteering to say: ‘What can we send for you? If we can send things to you, let us know.’ So, people are not only recommending what measures should take place; what should happen in terms of relief, but they’re saying: ‘What can we do, if we can?’ and that was very encouraging,” the PM said.
A 6:00pm to 6:00am curfew came into effect yesterday.
