Some 75 per cent of the Police officers stationed in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and according to the Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Kurleigh Simon, they are also working on clamping down on breaches of COVID-19 measures in the region.
During an appearance on the “Police and You” radio programme, Commander Simon said that ranks are making themselves available to be vaccinated.
However, for those ranks who have not yet been vaccinated, the Commander noted that the administration of the Force has been encouraging them to get fully immunised.
“Some ranks were at the headquarters to see operations in relations to vaccinations; but in addition to our efforts to sensitise the ranks in terms of vaccination, it is a must that they are dressed with their face masks when performing duties,” he said.
Region Five Commander, Superintendent Kurleigh Simon
As it relates to persons who will be visiting the various Police stations within the district, the Commander said they will not be turned away if they are unvaccinated, but rather, will be given safety gears.
“We have masks available for even persons who come to stations without mask to give them. We do not turn away anyone from the station.”
The Commander stated also that persons who visit any of the Police stations without a mask, based on the emergency and urgency of the matter, will not be charged for breaching the COVID-19 guidelines.
Speaking on the issue of Police officers breaching the COVID-19 guidelines by hosting unauthorised parties, the Commander said he had to shut down several of those events.
“I have heard about such situations and I think there was an event called swag Sunday, and my information was Police ranks were involved. Immediately on my resumption from leave and I heard about swag Sunday, I actually shut down swag Sunday.”
“There is the Good Faith beach at Mahaicony, that is another area I shut down. I heard Police ranks were involved…I didn’t wait for the event to happen, I sent out a warning that there should be no such event; on this Sunday, or any Sunday onwards. So, that was totally shut down,” he explained.
Simon further posited that persons are now finding unorthodox ways to congregate and host parties during the pandemic, and he is currently working to have that put to an end. (G9)
