GDF ranks interact with the public as ‘Operation CoviCurb’ expands

By Felecia Valenzuela

Football at the Georgetown Football Club and cricket at Durban Park this afternoon had a good mix of fun, competition, and education as ranks from the Guyana Defence Force chatted with youths at both venues about the Joint Services ‘Operation CoviCurb’.

Officers and ranks interacted with spectators, footballers and members of the Eccles All Star Cricket team at Durban Park, and spoke about the importance of following the COVID-19 measures.

They also distributed masks to everyone who needed.

On completion of the exercise, Vice-Captain of Eccles All Stars, Mr. Irfaan Alli commended the initiative and gave a thumbs-up to the ranks and the Government.

Spectators were also happy with the exercise.

“We need more of this to be done. Giving out masks seem simple, but it’s a great help,” one gentleman said, even as he urged that the exercise be replicated in as many communities as possible.

After wrapping up at Durban Park, the army personnel visited Tiger Bay where they distributed hampers of sanitisers and cleaning agents and masks to families and vendors plying their trade.

Coast Guard Lieutenant, Shennel Europe told DPI the exercise was part of the Government’s softer strategy to educate and interact with persons about the disease and reinforce the importance of taking personal responsibility to help stem its transmission.

Today’s activity follows closely on the heels of several similar exercises undertaken in communities across the country since the launch of ‘Operation CoviCurb’ on Thursday. The Joint Services interactions with the public on curbing the spread of COVID-19 is expected to continue for one month.