While several industries have reported that they are negatively impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the local food manufacturing industry has been experiencing a high demand for its products.
Companies such as Edward B Beharry, Banks DIH limited, Sterling Products, National Milling Company (NAMILCO) and bakeries have been experiencing an increase in demand for their food items.
Private Sector Commission (PSC) Executive, Ramesh Dookhoo, yesterday told Stabroek News that these companies have implemented systems to meet the food demand they are now faced with. Dookhoo said that they have increased their production capacity to satisfy demand and have assured the PSC of their ability to do so.
“All the companies have stepped up… the bakeries I would believe have also increased their production and NAMILCO has informed us they have adequate supply of wheat for the production of flour, on the market,” Dookoo said.
“The producers are trying to cope with these demands but they have assured us that they have not increased any prices and we are asking retailers to desist from such actions,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Dookhoo, who is tasked with assessing the impact of COVID-19 on the private sector, disclosed that among the sectors affected by COVID-19, the local tourism industry is the hardest hit. He explained that many hotels are operating with a skeleton staff as employers are forced to cut back on operating costs.
With the closure of airports and other ports of entry, there have been no incoming or outgoing passenger flights. Many countries have implemented this measure as a means of reducing the spread of the COVID-19.
He also explained that the construction and mining industries have also taken a hit with the arrival of the virus on these shores. He said that there has been a dramatic decline in construction activity on major projects as workers have expressed fear of contracting the disease and in some cases, have refused to work. Dookhoo further stated that despite the mining industry being considered essential, transportation remains a challenge for that sector.
The PSC executive opined that it is expected that the situation would likely take a turn for the worse and persons who depend on a daily income will be affected severely.
“The impact of the coronavirus has cut across the board and all sectors have been facing negative impacts. Some retailers are trying to remain open and implementing shift systems for their staff but from projections within the next two months, they might not be able to keep on their staff,” Dookhoo warned.
He informed that retailers have reported a 40 per cent drop in business but at the same time there has been a demand for cotton as persons seek to make their own face masks.
“Those stores that are selling the cotton cloth have reported an increase in sales and those owners are enjoying business,” he noted.
Dookoo, also called on transportation operators and vendors to be reasonable in their pricing of their service and commodities and to consider the pockets of many Guyanese, who are without a job.
