COVID-19 “not a joke, but a killer” – Police

…urge persons to adhere to curfew, preventative regulations

Regional Deputy Police Commander for Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), Wayne Dehearte has revealed that several residents in Region 10 have not come to the realisation that the novel coronavirus is “not a joke but a killer”, adding that they are putting many lives at risk, including the Police.

Dehearte expressed this view at a recent Regional Health and Emergency Committee (RHEC) meeting, urging other members that more stringent measures should be implemented.
He stated that with the nine deaths and over 80 infected persons, the police within the region need to take a more aggressive approach to those not adhering to the guidelines, especially taking into account that the national curfew has been extended.
Police pressured
He told the meeting that the Commander and ranks are feeling the pressure of the lackadaisical attitude of residents. He noted that many are continuing as if it’s business as usual, ignoring social and physical distancing, not wearing masks, and not staying at home.
“We continue to see members of the public continuing as if nothing is wrong and I firmly believe that many persons have not come to the reality that this a deadly disease that respects no one. They are making our work much more difficult as they continue to do what they like. We are called out to stop partying, drinking, liming and other activities that they should not be engaged, and this is highly irresponsible,” he said.
The Deputy Police Commander said that he wants to see the implementation of heavy penalties given the fact that when they inform persons that they are breaking the regulations many take it as a joke.
“People will only stop when we the police have the authority to lock up, charge and/or fine heavily as the public seems unconcerned about their own welfare, thus showing scant regard for the lives of many and the ranks who are forced to maintain law and order. They must understand that the police ranks are human beings too and when they act irresponsibly, they are putting our ranks and their families at great risk and the Commander and I are extremely displeased over this kind of behaviour,” the Deputy Commander alluded.
Dehearte declared that the police have been enforcing the curfew regulations more strongly now, noting that in the last few weeks they sought to use the soft approach which has not been effective, as such he noted that the Force has now resorted to being aggressive in their actions.
The Deputy Commander said that his personal view is that those in the healthcare sector should relate the harsh reality of what COVID-19 is and its impact on lives and the region. He also urged the RHEC Committee to continue using its influence and relationship with various sectors of society to help curb what he warned, if allowed to go unchecked, will have deadly effects for the region and Guyana as a whole.
Head of the RHEC Committee, REO Orrin Gordon expressed the view that persons entering the region after the curfew period should be stopped and held at the checkpoints until the following morning. This, he stressed, is a deterrent to ensure that persons recognise that they must complete their activities and movements by the stipulated 6 pm, as failure to take harsh actions will create the impression that no serious efforts are being made to curtail such actions.