Eureka Medical Labs conducts free COVID tests for Olympic delegation

Eureka Medical Laboratories Inc. (EML) has teamed up with the Guyana Olympic Association to provide free PCR COVID Testing for the local-based members of Guyana’s contingent to the Tokyo Olympic Games, slated to commence of July 23 and run until August 8.

EML said this latest initiative is a fulfillment “of its civic duty” and “Corporate Social Responsibility.”

Those who were tested through this arrangement were Swimming coach Shyka Gonsalves, Swimmer Aleka Persaud, Chef-de-Mission Garfield Wiltshire, Table Tennis coach Idi Lewis, COVID Liaison Officer/Physiotherapist Angelica Holder, Secretary General Deion Nurse, Athletics coach Julian Edmonds and athlete Emanuel Archibald.

Wiltshire said the contingent is grateful for the level of support offered by EML, which amounted to two tests for each of the eight persons: “That is a significant contribution being made by Eureka Medical Laboratories, headed by Mr. Andy Boyle and his team.”

Asked about the reason behind this noble move, EML Chief Executive Officer, Andy Boyle, said he got his inspiration from the late great boxer Muhammad Ali, who once said, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”

“EML has always tried its best to be cognisant of its role in the economic, social and environmental development of the country. During these times, when the world is beset with the new normal, and yet tries to claw through the difficulties, a little help can mean a lot to young people who remained undaunted by the pandemic and still continued to train,” Boyle said.

He added: “It is our way of saying thank you for their wonderful efforts in representing the country.”

COVID concerns

Wiltshire meanwhile, has expressed concerns about rising number COVID-19 cases in Japan. The Games will be held behind closed doors, with a state of emergency throughout its duration.

“I’m extremely worried with all reports coming out of Japan with regards the increase in cases and the lockdowns in numerous places and the desires of the Japanese population that they are no longer comfortable or want the Games to occur now,” Wiltshire told the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees.

There has been widespread opposition to the Games in Japan, with calls for them to be postponed or cancelled.

A June poll in the leading Asahi Shimbun newspaper suggested more than 80% of the population wanted the Games cancelled or postponed.

The paper also called for them to be cancelled.

Public spectator sites have been scrapped and companies have been hesitant about advertising related to the Olympics because of the widespread opposition to them.

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of Guyana’s contingent at the Games, a COVID Liaison Officer/Physiotherapist will travel to Tokyo. Angelica Holder will perform that role.

“As the COVID protocols relate, everyone travelling to Tokyo will be undergoing daily testing, twice a day. I would have to report on the current status of everyone- coaches, officials and athletes- including myself, on whether negative or positive results have been submitted,” Holder explained.

Below is Guyana’s full contingent to the Games:

Garfield Wiltshire- Chef-de-Mission

Angelica Holder- COVID Liaison Officer/Physiotherapist

Deion Nurse- Secretary General

Aliann Pompey- Athlete Representative

Julian Edmonds- Athletics Manager/Coach

Denzel Abrams- Athletics Coach

Idi Lewis- Table Tennis Coach

Sebert Blake- Boxing Coach

Shyka Gonsalves- Swimming Coach

Aliyah Abrams- (Athlete) Women’s 400m

Jasmine Abrams- (Athlete) Women’s 100m

Emanuel Archibald- (Athlete) Men’s 100m

Chelsea Edghill- (Athlete) Women’s Table Tennis

Keevin Allicock- (Athlete) 52-57kg Boxing

Aleka Persaud- (Athlete) 50m Freestyle

Andrew Fowler- (Athlete) 100m Freestyle