Over 101 charged for breach of curfew in Region 6

-Stringent enforcements underway in B Division to enforce restrictions/ curfew

DPI, Guyana, Monday, June 1, 2020

More than one hundred and one persons in Region Six were found guilty of breaching the curfew in place to help combat the spread of the COVID-19 disease.

This was disclosed by Regional Commander of East Berbice-Corentyne, Senior Superintendent Calvin Brutus.

Among those found guilty are religious bodies, persons attending funerals, errant shop keepers as well as those liming on the road and hosting parties. There are several more that are presently being processed and are expected to be placed before the courts shortly.

The Commander noted that currently the courts are limited to six matters per session that are held twice weekly.

He also disclosed that several business owners have been employing clever means of keeping some non-essential sections of their businesses open. Most of these, he said are grocery stores or food courts with adjoining beer gardens.

Another major challenge he said his team is working on diligently is protecting the borders from boat operators who continue to defy the order and transport persons between Guyana and Suriname.

This practice he noted that apart from being illegal, is very dangerous since there are no Stellings or proper port of disembarkations.

The efforts of the persons operating appear to be smoothly coordinated as there are no waiting taxis as is common at the ‘backtrack’ setting. Instead, the Commander explained, the passengers disembark and the vehicle pulls up and they enter and leave within a 5 minute or less window.

He, however, pledged to bring an end to this practice and assured that several teams are working around the clock to help identify the boat owners/operators and bring them before the courts.

As the COIVID-19 cases continue to rise across Guyana East-Berbice residents are relieved that no more cases are coming out of the region. However, the police and regional health officials are not taking any chances and have been stepping up their efforts to maintain the status quo.