2 fined $16,000 each for violating COVID-19 restrictions

Two persons were each fined $16, 250 after they were arrested and charged for breaching the gazetted COVID-19 restrictions.
Siewnandan Harricharran and Bisnauth Lalta appeared before Magistrate Crystal Lambert at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.
During the virtual hearing, Lalta was also charged for refusing to take a breathalyzer test, disorderly behaviour, resisting arrest by a Police officer, and assaulting a Police officer.
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges, and was placed on $10,000 bail for refusing to take a breathalyzer test, $5000 for disorderly behaviour, $20,000 for resisting arrest by a Police officer and for assaulting a Police officer. These cases will continue on September 14.
Only last week, 40 persons were arrested at two separate bars for flouting the COVID-19 restrictions which are in place to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. They were all placed on bail pending their court appearance.
The Guyana Police Force and the Health Ministry continue to call on persons and businesses to adhere to the emergency measures, which among other things prohibit large public gatherings.