Eight members from the uniformed branch of the Presidential Guard Unit (PGU) recently tested positive for the coronavirus.
In a press release last evening, Police spokesman Jairam Ramlakhan confirmed that the department conducted random testing on its members recently after which the results of eight persons returned positive.
“They are currently convalescing in quarantine,” Ramlakhan said.
The decision to conduct random testing, according to the statement was in light of the presence of the virus in the country and in keeping with the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Public Health.
The ranks are part of the uniformed branch of the PGU which is located on Vlissengen Road. The PGU also includes plain clothes ranks.
The PGU falls within the scope of the force and is subject to the rules and regulations imposed by Commissioner of Police Leslie James.
Director of the Public Information and Press Service (PIPS) Unit Ariana Gordon last evening told the media that the ranks were never part of the Special Protective Service (SPS) arm of the PGU and were therefore not responsible for the close protection of President David Granger or his family.
The SPS is responsible for the safety and protection of the President, the Prime Minister and their families.
Gordon noted that for some time now, Granger had been working “remotely” and as such he has not had any contact with members of the PGU.
She added that the eight ranks are part of the country’s confirmed cases of COVID-19 and are included in the Ministry’s figures.
As of yesterday, Guyana had recorded a total of 125 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
