September 8 ,2021
Dear Editor,
Less than one month ago, an August 11, 2021 media-circulated memo to Minister Dr. Frank Anthony from the Chief Medical Officer (ag.), Dr. Narine Singh, represented that, “It is recommended that persons who tested positive for COVID-19 can receive their vaccines after 90 days (from the date that he/she was tested positive).” This notwithstanding, both airline and immigration officials have been demanding and continue to demand of all incoming passengers – along with evidence of a recent negative PCR test result – evidence of being vaccinated. As a direct consequence of the postures of the two, and against my wishes, I cancelled – with financial penalty – my recent travel booking with Caribbean Airlines.
I note too, that the CMO’s referenced recommendation syncs with how I interpreted the pieces of advice from at least three (3) physicians I consulted – one (1) in his office here in Guyana, and one (1) each via phone, from the Caribbean and from North America – during the period I was infected with the COVID-19 virus. In almost photocopy like fashion, each discounted the wisdom of being administered the COVID-19 vaccine, “too quickly after recovery”. Obviously, I’ve opted to follow the advice of physicians who are undoubtedly guided by their conventional medical training.
Like many of my fellow Guyanese, I continue to pledge to be obedient to the laws of Guyana – the land of my nativity, but I’m challenged when the law conflicts with incontrovertible medical advice. It appears that solid medical advice can be illegal, or at least be outlawed – even if temporarily. In August:
• I was turned away from the Eugene F. Correia Airport when I attempted to uplift a package sent to me from overseas,
• I was turned away from Camp Street’s Immigration Office when I attempted to do some business there, and
• My charge, in her mid-teens, was denied entry to Guyana Revenue Authority.
The outdoor facilities that worked so well during the early COVID-19 experience have in the main vanished.
On another matter, my teen aged daughter was advised by a rank at Eve Leary Traffic Headquarters that the “packages” required for study to prepare for assessment as a learner driver will not be available until January 2022 earliest – that’s four (4) months hence. At GECOM, she was advised that no registration is currently being conducted by the facility. The value/importance of a driver’s licence and a national identification card cannot be ignored. Both are foundational to the equipping of our youth for their personal and our National development and security.
What’s the position of a fully vaccinated youth who would have been able to find a job as a driver, but can’t? What’s the position of a fully vaccinated working youth who has no bank account and cannot save toward future commitments, or who cannot apply for a low income house lot – because of “lack of ID”? Are we creating work for the Criminal Investigation Department and for our security services? This can’t be the plan! Or is it?
Sincerely,
Gavin Houston
