Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has warned owners of clubs, bars and nightspots to adhere to the 2:00 AM curfew, promising that failure to do so will result in sanctions, including revocation of licence.The aim of the curfew, among other things, is to curb alcohol abuse and crimes.
The minister’s sentiment came in light of an investigation into an alleged shooting inside “Club Privilege”, Main Street, Tower Suites last Sunday.
Three persons are in custody as investigators try to enhance the surveillance footage from the hotel which is not clear.
The club was reportedly opened beyond the curfew. Minister Ramjattan on Wednesday told the Guyana Chronicle that the curfew is geared to minimise incidents that may pose a danger to society.
“This drinking causes a lot of drivers to make accidents… driving cause a lot of vexation that sometimes lead to arguments that ultimately lead to gun violence and then shootings,” he said
The minister is awaiting a report from the police in connection with the shooting which is allegedly being covered up by the management of the Club.
He noted that covering up or concealment of a crime, is a crime itself, punishable by revocation of licence, and pointed out that he intends to send a stronger signal to nightspots owners who contravene the 2:00AM curfew.
According to Ramjattan, there is much documented evidence which indicate that persons who abuse alcohol or drugs are more susceptible to committing acts of violence and self-harm.
“If persons had died in the nightclub, people would have wanted to know what is the Government doing about it, but the Government has strategies in place and when it’s not followed, lawlessness prevails,” the minister noted.
Two of the persons arrested in connection with the shooting are employees of the hotel. Reports indicate that the evidence of the shooting was allegedly tampered with.
But investigators have managed to obtain multiple statements from persons who were at the club at the time of the shooting.
The management of the nightspot has denied the shooting ever occurred.
According to reports, in the wee hours of Sunday morning gunshots rang out inside the club, sending patrons scampering for safety.
Not one was seriously hurt, however, one person who was grazed by a bullet while in the club made a report to police, prompting an investigation.
Following the report, police visited the club and found spent shells, even though the crime scene had been cleaned.