NEWS
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Palm Court denies breaching COVID-19 measures – PSC calls for letter to be withdrawn forthwith
W
PSC Chairman Nicolas Boyer
hile the National COVID-19 Task Force has reportedly dispatched a last warning to the operators of Palm Court on Main Street, Georgetown for breaching the national measures, the popular business has denied
doing so. A letter was issued by Task Force Director Nazrul Hussain, alleging that the nightspot has operated in violation of the national COVID-19 measures, without specifying what were the breaches. It specified that legal sanctions could be taken, including having Palm Court’s licence revoked. However, Palm Court has supported the national measures and the authorities which are in place to ensure compliance. On this note, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) in a statement to the media highlighted that the Task Force chose to ‘discredit’ the restaurant while adding that the letter was leaked before the alleged defaulter was notified. “The Private Sector
Commission notes with concern the contents of the said warning letter to Palm Court … The Private Sector Commission is extremely disappointed that the COVID Task Force chose to discredit the oldest and most internationally-recognised restaurant in Guyana (1950), the Palm Court by issuing a final warning letter of closure and leaking the said letter to the media even before the alleged defaulter was notified,” the PSC release said. The PSC did also admit that scores of businesses have been operating in a similar manner, but with all the necessary measures in place and as such, called for the letter to be withdrawn. “The Task Force must be aware, as it is public knowledge, that hundreds of businesses operate in a simi-
lar manner to that of Palm Court. Hence, this action would appear to be biased and discriminatory and the letter should be withdrawn forthwith,” the PSC stated. Nevertheless, the Commission said it was ‘committed’ to the original mandate given to the Task Force by President Irfaan Ali. These emergency measures are made pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2)(b) of the Direction by the President, given under the Public Health Ordinance, Cap 145, and published in the Gazette, Legal Supplement – B, 16th March 2020. The Government concluded that it made a rapid assessment of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and found that it was fragmented and incapable of
Popular nightspot Palm Court
administering the public health, economic and social measures needed to keep the population safe. The Order noted the current measures extended to allow for ther assessments and sultations to develop
that are furconup-
dated protocols to aid in the combating of the COVID-19 spread. For social and entertainment spots, it specifies that there should be strict social distancing and persons must take precautions. This is especially important in an indoor setting.
Aurora Mine denies reports of 17 COVID-positive workers – says strict protocols in place; ahead of Minister’s visit
AGM Corporate Director Peter Benny
O
n the eve of Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton’s scheduled visit, Chinese-owned Aurora Gold Mine has come out in denial that there has been an outbreak of COVID-19 at the mining camp. The company made this pronouncement in a statement on Sunday. According to AGM’s General Manager, Victor Wu, not a single worker at AGM has tested positive under the dispensation of Zijin Mining Company, the mine’s new owner. According to him, efforts will be made to clarify the reports of 17 workers at AGM testing positive and that Minister Hamilton will be contacted for clarity. He described the reports as having “repercussions on the morale of the workforce and other stakeholders of the company.” Meanwhile, AGM’s Director of Corporate Office and Governance, Peter Benny, also denied the reports, while also noting that AGM has implemented several stringent measures and controls. These include temperature and oxygen test-
ing, social distancing and the wearing of masks and hands washing at all its locations. “There is social distancing in the lunchrooms and mess hall. The playground, gyms and places of recreation have all been closed,” Benny was quoted as saying. “Of the 24 Chinese working with AGM and the 26 working with Sinohydro, none of them has been tested positive nor has any of our employees, whether it is at Aurora, or the Georgetown Office, or Buckhall.” When it comes to reports that there are gold mining companies treating employ-
Goldfields workers, who were rehired when Zijin Mining Group took over Aurora, were transferred to sub-contractor Sinohydro. This was confirmed by a letter dated November 8 and seen by this publication, in which AGM wrote to National Mine Workers Union (NMWU) President Sherwyn Downer, informing him that the first set of transfers took effect from November 1, 2020 - seven days prior. In the letter, Downer was informed that the decision would affect a total of 141 workers, most of whom were former Guyana Goldfields
Aurora Gold Mine
ees who have symptoms of COVID-19, for malaria and typhoid, Benny distanced Aurora Gold Mine from these reports. “That statement does not apply to AGM. The company has in its employ three fulltime medical doctors,” he noted adding that it is known for having one of the best screening practices for malaria. “The company looks forward to the Minister’s visit at its locations,” he added. It was only recently that over 100 former Guyana
employees who were rehired and placed on a three-month contract. The transfer of 24 permanent employees, who Downer had said belonged to his Union, took effect from November 1, while 117 workers who were on the contract will be transferred from December 14, 2020, to January 2021. According to AGM, “due to the efforts by the company to complete the preparation for the full resumption of operations, a number of former and new employees
were hired.” “The company has also engaged a contractor Sinohydro Corporation Limited for the Stripping and Mining activities at its Mines at Aurora. In this regard, the company has decided to transfer those employees who were hired by AGM to work for the contractor Sinohydro,” the letter had also said. But following the contro-
versy around this decision, it was reported in sections of the media on Sunday that Minister Hamilton would be paying a visit today to both Aurora and the Australianowned mining company Troy Resources. According to the Minister, the visit would serve to inspect working conditions at the locations after the Ministry received reports that a total
of 41 workers from both locations tested positive for COVID-19 between October and November. Meanwhile, out of the 5133 COVID-19 cases Guyana has recorded as of Sunday, Region Seven has accounted for 440 of those cases. 40 new cases have also been recorded, with seven persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 143 deaths.
