…threatens to withdraw from Task Force if Palm Court warning isn’t withdrawn
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has accused the National COVID-19 Task Force Secretariat (NCTFS) of being discriminatory in its recent threat to shut down Palm Court Restaurant and Bar, if it doesn’t comply with COVID-19 restrictions.
The PSC has stated also that it will withdraw its support from the NCTFS if the threat and accusation are not withdrawn.
Director of the NCTFS, Colonel Nazrul Hussain in a letter to the Manager of Palm Court on November 21, 2020 said the Task Force has noted that a previous warning letter was sent on October 30, 2020 to the restaurant and bar has not been heeded.
“This blatant disregard to the COVID-19 measures reflects your contempt for the Laws of Guyana which may result in the application of legal sanctions, with the possibility of having all privileges suspended or licenses revoked,” Hussain warned.
However, the Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer-led PSC, in response, has called on the NCTFS to withdraw its letter as it singles out Palm Court while numerous other establishments operate similarly to Palm Court.
“The Task Force must be aware, as it is public knowledge, that hundreds of businesses operate in a similar 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 Hence, this action would appear to be biased and discriminatory and the letter should be withdrawn forthwith,” the PSC stated.
“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…moreover, the Task Force ought to operate in a fair and transparent manner, which evidently is not the current practice – and which is rather unfortunate. To these ends, the PSC is seriously and actively considering withdrawing from the National COVID Task Force as its functioning leaves much to be desired,” the PSC said.
Since the issuing of the warning to Palm Court, some members of the public have questioned the blind eye paid to other establishments such as the Sleep-In Hotel on Church Street, Georgetown where many persons have gathered to socialise beyond the established curfew.
