The Private Sector Commission on Friday donated masks and financial aid to the Guyana Police Force, which will help in the execution of “Operation COVI-CURB” and protection of officers.
PSC Chairman Nicholas Boyer handing over the donation to the acting Police Commissioner
A total of 2000 surgical masks and a $99,000 cheque were handed over to Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie. The cheque will be used to procure reusable masks for the various ranks on duty.
Speaking at the simple ceremony, the acting Top Cop stated that ranks are in every region, sensitising the public on the risks of not adhering to guidelines. Their joint efforts will continue in collaboration with the Guyana Defence Force and the National COVID-19 Task Force.
“The Guyana Police Force has continued to work together with that organisation as a team in the first instance for us to sensitise members of the community, of the importance of them adhering to the measures that are in place. We continue as a team to work today in each area, each region to ensure that persons adhere to the four Es, which is – engagement, encouragement, educate and enforce.”
He noted that some persons have turned up at the various police stations to make reports, without the use of a mask. This contribution will ensure that those persons receive a mask.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Nicholas Boyer pledged their commitment towards support for law enforcement teams.
“We have responsible members of the population and then we have a few members that we need to help to educate on what the risks of COVID-19 are…We want to encourage members of the public to respect and work with members of the Police Force and the Public Health Ordinance. COVID-19 is a very serious pandemic that is affecting the entire world,” Boyer emphasised.
Operation COVI-CURB is an initiative by the Government in collaboration with the Private Sector, civil society groups and volunteers. It uses education, moral suasion and enforcement to ensure that the public complies with the COVID-19 gazetted order.
In a “community-minded” approach, ranks are tasked with engaging on a continuous public sensitisation campaign. They have been assigned across the regions to specifically ensure that the national measures are upheld by citizens.
As at October 1, the COVID-19 emergency measures (No 10) were published, outlining a change in the countrywide curfew to the timeframe of 9 pm to 4 am to allow certain businesses to operate for a longer period. For example, gas stations, salons and supermarkets can now close at 20:00h.
Gyms and bars are among the services to remain closed. Meanwhile, there are special measures for Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), inclusive of restricted travel. (G12)
