After multiple warnings by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), more than 40 persons were arrested for breaching the 06:00h to 18:00h curfew that was implemented by the Public Health Ministry to slow the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus.
The Guyana Police Force night patrol enforcing the 06:00h-18:00h (6am-6pm) curfew
This was according to Regional Police Deputy Commander for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Senior Superintendent Phillip Azore during an interview with Department of Public Information (DPI).
“Over 40 were arrested and charged; they are currently being placed before the court. So far, five persons have been placed before the court where they were made to pay fines and other punishment that the court has awarded,” Azore stated.
He underscored that the slow rate of penalisation was a result of the COVID-19 restrictions in place at the courts. Presently, they operate three days per week which allow for just five such cases per week.
He pointed out that before an arrest is made, citizens are given a warning. If that warning is ignored, then an arrest is made. However, Azore pointed out that most persons were complying with the measures.
The Commander also highlighted that to further enforce the curfew, there were several strategically placed roadblocks.
“The reason for the roadblocks is to stop those persons driving on the road [after the curfew] and ascertain if there is any legitimate reason for them being on the road. If there is no valid reason, we ask that they proceed home immediately. If persons continue to breach the curfew, they will be prosecuted,” he underscored.
It was highlighted that the Traffic Task force works during the day to ensure minibuses and taxis follow the 50 per cent passenger restriction. If they are found to have breached the measures, they are warned before an arrest is made.
“It is not a case where you commit an offence for the first time and we charge you; you are warned but if you continue, then there is strict enforcement and we have you placed before the court,” Azore stated.
The GPF continues to call on persons and businesses to adhere to the emergency measures. They are also reminding that any person who fails to comply with any of the measures is committing an offence under Section 152 of the Public Health Ordinance and is liable on summary conviction to the penalty provided under that section.
Meanwhile, just three days ago, Police in Berbice brought some 22 persons before the courts for breaking the curfew, and among those charged were the owners of the Mahogany Hotel in Corriverton, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) Sherwin Paterson and Carlos Angel, and seven Venezuelan nationals.
Two weeks ago, an East Bank man was sentenced to an hour of “standing and displaying the curfew notice” as punishment after he breached the national curfew.
