5 more persons fined for curfew violations in Linden

An additional five persons who appeared before Magistrate Wanda Fortune via virtual court on Wednesday were fined after being convicted of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) curfew violations in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice).
The violators were all fined $16,000. Failure to pay the fine will result in them serving three months in prison.
While 16 persons were scheduled to appear to answer to curfew violation charges, only six of those matters were called Wednesday. Five admitted to the offences, with one violator being reprimanded and discharged.
A total of 40 persons were recently charged with curfew violations in Linden, with 10 more scheduled to appear to answer to the charges at a later date.
Nineteen persons who appeared before Magistrate Fortune last Friday were fined or given community service for breaching the countrywide 06:00h-18:00h curfew, as 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.
Thirteen persons were fined sums ranging from $10,000 to $16,000 and given default sentences ranging from two to three months’ imprisonment. Six persons were given community service, while five offenders were reprimanded and discharged based on explanations given to the court. As the countrywide lockdown continues, Regional Police Commander, Superintendent Hugh Winter has stated that anyone who attempts to make their way into the community from Georgetown via the Bamia-Linden-Soesdyke Highway route after the curfew time would be redirected to their location or may be required to wait until the following morning.
Additionally, there are Police roadblocks set up in various areas across Linden, including at the Bamia checkpoint, Amelia’s Ward, the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge and in the Five Corner area.
There are also patrols traversing all areas and according to the Regional Police Commander, anyone found to be in violation will have their names placed in the curfew book and escorted to the nearest Police Station.