Workers’ collective effort can combat COVID-19 – PM Nagamootoo

DPI, Guyana, Friday, May 1, 2020

Prime Minister and Chairman of the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF), Honourable Moses Nagamootoo has stated that there needs to be a collective effort to combat the novel coronavirus’ presence in Guyana.

In his Labour Day message, the Prime Minister expressed solidarity with the “dedicated medical and healthcare providers, members of the disciplined, sanitary and port health services, and all other frontline workers.”

He noted the government and the entire nation’s appreciation for the sacrifices being made.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo remarked that there is much to be done collectively to beat this pandemic.

“This is the single greatest threat facing our nation; and workers must help, on the coast and in the hinterland, to beat this dreaded pandemic.”

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) due to the pandemic, one billion six hundred million (1.6 billion) or one-half of the global workforce in the informal economy, will become jobless this week. There have been cutbacks across all sectors.

“Today, more than any time before, the slogan “workers of the world unite” has assumed a new meaning, which is for survival against the onslaught of the pandemic and protection of livelihoods in the face of an inexorable melt-down of the world’s economy.” Prime Minister Nagamootoo underscored.

He added that through collective effort, the spread of the virus could be contained and severe damage to the economy could be prevented.

This he reminded can be realised through responsible behaviour, adhering to the various health safety advisories.