Removal of COVID restrictions ‘a good thing’ for the economy – Private Sector Commission

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has welcomed the Government’s decision to remove all the COVID-19 measures that were in place. President Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday evening signed an order that officially removes all of the COVID-19 measures that were in place to cushion the spread of the virus. In this regard, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission Paul Cheong told News Update that he believes this is good for the economy; however, he emphasised that persons must continue to be careful since there are still COVID-19 cases in the country.

Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Paul Cheong.

“I think it’s a good thing for our country but persons will have to continue to be careful and take the vaccine,” the Chairman said.

In addition to the benefit of the economy, Mr Cheong said persons can be employed or regain their jobs since the pandemic had businesses work at limited capacity.

“You know businesses couldn’t have worked to full capacity because one, they didn’t have enough staff or because they were affected by COVID.” During the pandemic, costs of commodities had increased significantly owing to the supply issues and shortages that were experienced globally and even in Guyana. The Chairman said he is optimistic that this can be addressed by the full reopening of the economy. “So, we’re hoping now that we’ll see some tangible impacts from these measures not only in Guyana but across the globe,” Mr Cheong stated. Some countries around the world have already embraced the full reopening of their countries. With the removal of the restrictions in Guyana, public spaces, religious institutions and facilities can proceed to normalise operations. Masks are not mandatory but persons are urged to wear them in public spaces.