Eight From Guyana’s Presidential Guard Service Test Positive For COVID-19

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, May 22, 2020 (CMC) – The Guyana Police Force (GPF) reported, in a press statement, that eight guards, from the Presidential Guard Unit, were recently tested positive for COVID-19.

In a brief statement, the GPF said that random tests were done on members of the Force, and the eight positive results were returned — and are “currently convalescing in quarantine”.

The first two tests date back to early April, while the recent tests were conducted, just over two weeks ago, revealed the GPF, adding that these are not new cases and are included in the total number of cases in the country.

The Presidential Guard Unit provides security for the President and Prime Minister and their official residences, as well security for the former Presidents.

In a subsequent release, Ariana Gordon, Director of Public Information and Press Service at the Ministry of the Presidency, clarified that the eight ranks, in question, are attached to the uniformed branch, located at Vlissengen Road, where the President’s Office is located.

They “are not a part of the Special Protective Service arm of the Unit, and were therefore, not responsible for the close protection of President, David Granger, or his family”, Gordon insisted.

She also disclosed that the Head of State has been working, remotely, for some time, and has not been in contact with uniformed members of the Presidential Guard Unit.