Anti-COVID-19 vaccine protests: 7 protesters on $105,000 bail for illegal procession

Seven anti-vaccination protesters – four men and three women – were each released $15,000 bail on Friday after Police filed charges against them for partaking in an illegal procession. They were taken before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where they pleaded not guilty to partaking in an illegal procession.

Police arrested the persons on Wednesday for illegally marching along Brickdam in Georgetown. According to a statement from Police Headquarters, about 150 persons held an anti-vaccination protest at Square of the Revolution, Georgetown.
The missive added that although Police ranks informed several persons that permission was not given for the protest, as is required by law, the protesters continued to partake in the illegal activity. Police ranks took action to prevent the continuance of the illegal procession during which eight persons were arrested.
It was reported that the protesters were nabbed before they arrived at the Education Ministry’s Lot 21 Brickdam, Georgetown office where several unvaccinated workers, who failed to present a negative PCR test, were asked to leave.
“The Guyana Police Force is reiterating its respect for the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful protest. When such protests degenerate into unlawful activities, the Police will, as a consequence, have to take the requisite lawful action to ensure the maintenance of law and order,” the statement added.
On Wednesday, a protest started outside of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation after the institution barred unvaccinated staff, including doctors and nurses, from entering its compound.
The Government has already said that healthcare workers and teachers who do not comply with the COVID-19 protocol and are barred from entering their workplace will be marked absent and not paid. Moreover, the Government has been urging citizens to get vaccinated against the deadly virus.
This has been met with opposition by some persons who are refusing to take the vaccines for various reasons. A gazetted order stipulates that no one will be allowed access to Government agencies’ services unless they are vaccinated. Unvaccinated persons can only access services by appointment.
The new guidelines mandate that conductors and operators of public transportation be vaccinated. To gain access to businesses such as bars and casinos, patrons will be required to have a COVID vaccination card in their possession, accompanied by official identification. (G1)