19 Lindeners fined, given community service for curfew violation

Several Lindeners appeared before Magistrate Wanda Fortune on Friday and were either fined or given community service for breaching the countrywide COVID-19 curfew.
While a total of 40 matters were presented before the court via Zoom, only 24 violators showed up for their cases to be tried at the Regional Police Headquarters at Mackenzie, Linden.
A total of eight persons were charged for breach of restriction on social activities while the others were charged with breach of curfew. Overall, a total of 13 persons were fined with the amount ranging from $10,000 to $16,000.
Each, however, comes with a default sentence of two to three months’ imprisonment. Six persons were given community service.
Meanwhile, five offenders were reprimanded and discharged based on explanations given to the court.
The other 16 outstanding matters are expected to be heard before Magistrate Fortune on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at the same court.
Regional Commander, Superintendent Hugh Winter has stated that anyone who attempts to make their way into the community from Georgetown via the Bamia-Soesdyke-Linden Highway route after the curfew time will be redirected to their location or may be required to wait until the following morning.
Additionally, there are Police roadblocks set up at various areas across Linden, including the Bamia checkpoint, Amelia’s Ward, the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge and the Five Corner area.
There are also patrols traversing all areas and according to the Regional Commander, anyone found to be in violation will have their names placed in the curfew book and escorted to the nearest police station.
For drivers, their vehicles will be lodged until the next morning. Henceforth, violators are given return dates to facilitate prosecution and virtual court appearances.