– enforcing curfew in New Amsterdam

THE Guyana Police Force, in Region Six, has stepped up measures to ensure the backtrack route that leads to neighbouring Suriname remains closed, as efforts continue to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Commander for Region Six, Senior Superintendent Calvin Brutus, told DPI, “we have policemen working there on shifts and, based on information we receive, if we learn that they are dropping off at other points, we will shift to checking along those lines with the patrol.”

He disclosed that patrols are stationed at the Berbice Bridge checkpoint on the lookout for foreigners. Ranks are checking vehicles that are known to ply the backtrack route scouting for foreigners looking to get back to Suriname. “If we realise that there are foreigners who came through the backtrack, they are then escorted to relevant officials to be screened and of course immigration has their part to play,” Brutus said.

So far 12 foreigners – from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka – were intercepted but could not have been deported because Suriname had closed its border and refused to accept them at the time, the commander explained. The Region Six division is working with the National COVID-19 task Force to help stop the spread of the virus. The division recently joined with the New Amsterdam Town Council to enforce a curfew. The town council has initially mandated that all dining outlets are to be closed at 18:00 hours; supermarkets and grocery shops to be closed at 19:00 hours and all pharmacies were given a 20:00 hours curfew.

There was subsequent amendment. At 16:30 hours supermarkets and grocery stores are to be closed and restaurants are only allowed to offer delivery services until 16:00 hours. Pharmacies are to be closed at 18:00 hours instead of the previously announced time of 20:00 hours. “People are cooperating but for a few days, we had to go to ensure they were closed and make double checks. Some persons were still defiant so I had to call in those owners and have a talk with them at the office and they are now complying,” the Commander stated.

Brutus also highlighted that all the stations in the Region are following all precautionary measures such as washing of hands regularly and practising social distancing. (DPI)