Harmon mourns death of Gittens, calls on Guyanese to get vaccinated

Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon, has implored all Guyanese to take their COVID-19 vaccines following the death of the Regional Vice-Chairman of Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice), Douglas Gittens.

On Sunday, the News Room was able to confirm that Gittens passed away after he was infected with the disease, COVID-19.

Gittens was a Regional Councillor and teacher of the Mackenzie High School, in Region 10. He represented the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU-AFC) party. He is the second Regional Councillor to have died in Region 10 from the dreaded virus, the first being PPP Councillor, Gem Narine.

According to a release from the Regional Democratic Council – Region 10, Gittens tested positive for COVID-19 though he took his first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine on May 27.

After taking this dose, but before he was scheduled to receive his second dose, Gittens, reportedly, travelled to various areas in Region 10, including Kwakwani, to aid with relief efforts.

The release noted that he subsequently felt unwell, and on Friday, he began suffering from symptoms of COVID-19, including a loss of taste. As such, he went to the hospital for a COVID-19 test, and later, his results showed that he was COVID-19 positive.

After the announcement of his death, the Opposition Leader, in a press statement, said that he was “deeply saddened” to hear of the sudden passing of Gittens.

“He was a tireless worker and fastidious Vice Chairman who dutifully served the people of Region 10 to his last day. His positive personality and contribution to the advancement of Region 10 will be sorely missed and the void he leaves will be a challenge to fill,” the Opposition Leader said.

While noting that the APNU+AFC Coalition will examine ways in which his legacy will be honoured, the opposition leader also called on Guyanese to intensify their efforts in observing all COVID-19 measures.