Please save Dr Gregory Harris from himself

WITH HIS RISE to the position of Regional Health Officer (RHO) of Upper Demerara/Berbice
(Region Ten) Dr. Gregory Harris seems inexplicably stricken with lethargy. Paralysing phlegm.
And someone who knew him very well, way before his elevation, Mr. Elroy Adolph, former
Regional Vice Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of the resource-rich but
poverty-stricken area, highlighted what he thinks are factors responsible for Harris’ languor.
Adolph cited, personal aggrandisement, pandering to the new administration and seemingly “on
a joy ride with other senior Regional officials” . These, said he, have helped dimmed the new
RHO’s vision rendering and drain his energy rendering him useless in the fight against the
deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
“Dr Harris is certainly not effective and it’s time that I speak out about this, as he has not been
doing anything that shows that he is serious and determined to stem the increase of the disease,”
Adolph complained.
It had to be overbearing for Adolph to finally out a close colleague so publicly. So raspingly
blunt.
“Can you image with just about 5,000 persons (living in Kwakwani) we have already over 55
registered cases (of the COVID-19 virus)? This is unacceptable and I am appealing to the
Government to step in immediately and take control of the situation,” Adolph counselled.
Adolph recalled sitting with Harris and several others in the early days of the pandemic
strategising and agreeing on a blueprint to stem the spread of the disease which has killed over
two million globally and more than 180 in Guyana. He remembered they put rigid and effective
systems in place that helped stem the flow of the deadly pandemic.

“I am honest, Dr Harris and team needs to be reviewed as they are incapable of addressing this
current situation. I am a resident of Kwakwan,i and I am fearful like several others…that the
people, their health and welfare of Kwakwani are of no importance to the RHO and his team,”
Adolph remarked.
Region Ten, where Kwakwani is located, is a traditional stronghold of the opposition Peoples
National Congress (PNC) and at the 2020 polls, the people voted overwhelmingly for the party.
Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo is working unrelentingly to win the hearts of Lindeners by the
time the 2025 polls rolls around.
Adolph might suspect that Harris’ political leanings have overpowered his medical insights and
flattened his response to the spread of the deadly virus among the Region Ten population. Thus,
he appeal to the better side of our humanity appealing for non-partisanship in addressing the
global pandemic.
“I understand how politics works but the RHO assisted in moving several persons off the
Regional Task Force whom he knew were making a genuine contribution. What is sad is that
when APNU+AFC was in office, they sought to have him (Dr. Harris) on the Committee as they
were looking (conscientious persons to help) at addressing the issue irrespective of one’s
political affiliation,” Adolph recalled.
He wants Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, intervene and re-energise the Task Force stacking
it with competent members. Doctor in Charge at the Kwakwani Hospital, Dr Nigel Anthony is
understandably troubled with the bourgeoning number of COVID-19 victims in Kwakwani.
“The situation is rightfully worrying as we currently have 20 active aces now. Further, there are
more than 50 persons from Kwakwani who would have contracted COVID and with such a small
community people are concerned and want to know what is happening,” Dr Nigel Anthony said.
Dr Anthony explained that the increase in cases has the potential to wreak havoc and spread
panic in the Berbice community.

“This is a very serious situation and because of the small population, more persons getting
infected is a reality and that is why all should come together and address this problem,” he
counselled.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health announced Wednesday that an 82-year-old Kwakwani
female died from the disease.