Linden promoters concerned about new licence process

Several promoters in Linden have found displeasure in the system of operation surrounding the process of granting of licences, as well as fees charged by Police for events. Many have also voiced their concerns, alleging that there is unwarranted Police arrogance and intimidation meted out against them during the hosting of events. As such, the concerned promoters, on Monday, requested a meeting with Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland and Councillors of the Linden

Municipality. During the meeting, promoters also complained about issues ranging from high fees, no structured payment system, change in the process of granting licences, lengthy processes and having to pay hefty taxes. In an effort to get their promotions on foot, they stressed the lengthy process of having to go all the way to Georgetown for approval, although there is a court and Fire Service in Linden. A promoter explained that it used to be that they would go to Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara and receive approval on the same day, however he complained that the system has since been changed.

“Now, the system change up, you got to go to Vreed-en-Hoop and now Vreed-en-Hoop sending the documents to Linden and then Linden Magistrate’s Court got to approve it. It lately change up now again. So I don’t know why you have to go til to Vreed-en-Hoop,” he noted.

It was also alleged that the Georgetown Fire Station charges a fee of $2,600, but would fail to show up to carry out checks of the event location.

“When you go to Linden, they say they don’t do it in Linden, and when you go to Georgetown, sometimes you got to wait, come back… Why we Linden Fire Chief can’t approve the letter?” one promoter indicated.

The promoters also noted that it appears as though they are being made to pay the Police based on their discretion, as they alleged that there is no structured payment system. The concerned promoters also threatened to take to the streets over the issues.

“With this current situation, it just frightens the promoters,” one promoter noted.

Meanwhile, Councillor Fern Mckoy questioned why the Police are charging large sums. Mckoy said the processes should be done in Linden, owing to the presence of the Fire Service and court in the community. In many cases, she said promoters follow through because they may have already invested in their business or promotion.

Councillor Neola Rogers also told members of the meeting that the Municipality has already asked for decentralisation of the services. Speaking after the meeting, Holland said the complaints are overwhelming and that the issues need to be addressed.

Speaking to this publication, E Division (Linden/Kwakwani) Commander Fazil Karimbaksh said the money paid to Police by promoters is based on the magnitude of the event and the amount of Police sent to maintain the peace, as well as the amount of hours the event lasts. He said while the usual cost is $15,000, for large sessions at places like the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, the Police would charge $20,000.

“It depends on the magnitude of the event and the amount of Police we have to send. The same things they’re holding here, if they go to Georgetown, it’s hundreds of thousands, we’re the cheapest, $15,000,” he said. He added that the 02:00h (2am) curfew is applicable for enclosed spaces such as discos, and not public events which can disturb the peace.