Over 1000 arrested for breaching COVID guidelines in Reg 6 – Commander

– as Police clamp down on “secret” party locations

Over 1000 persons have been arrested for breaching the COVID-19 guidelines in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) between January and August 2021, according to Police Commander Senior Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan.
He made this revelation during the Guyana Police Force’s weekly “Police & You” radio programme on Tuesday evening, while noting that private parties at secret locations were the main cause of the COVID-19 breaches.
“The COVID guidelines are not being adhered to fully for many reasons, but we have embarked on a very robust enforcement campaign,” the commander has said.

Ramlakhan explained that the campaigns have led to the arrest of 1010 persons, and more than half of the cases have already been dealt with.
He noted that due to the relationship the Police have with the public, his team is on top of its game in getting the necessary information in regard to locations of private parties and those who are responsible for organising the events.
“So far, because of our network with the public, these private parties, even though…not advertised, we are able to be on top…be on top in the sense that we get information as to who’s planning, and where”, Ramlakhan shared.
However, he stated that the violators are most times warned, rather than being prosecuted, due to the time-consuming process involved in charging all of them.
“We approach and…re-advise them as to the protocols about the prohibition, about the COVID-19 guidelines, and of the consequences.”
Moreover, the Commander related that the Police continue to sensitise and educate the public about the seriousness of the virus.
Additionally, by working with the National COVID-19 Task Force via a WhatsApp group, where information is being shared, the Police in B Division are able to effectively carry out their duties in regard to COVID breaches.
Meanwhile, a number of businesses have also been suspended for a period of one to three months for breaching the COVID-19 guidelines.
“There are a number of persons or businesses who, we are aware of, had their businesses suspended for 3 months, 1 month and so on. The message is spreading, and persons are now very cautious how they go about their business, especially in breaching the curfew or overcrowding their establishments”, the Commander revealed.