– police, RDC hold public education to sensitise businesses

RESIDENTS of the Upper Berbice River community of Kwakwani have been very supportive of the regional curfew implemented by the Regional Health Emergency Committee.
According to a statement from the Regional Democratic Council, the residents have even been up in arms with some businesses in the sub-region that have attempted to flout the curfew.

“Thus far, we have been receiving significant support and we have a few and I say a few because it’s just a couple of businesses who feel that because they sell the rum and beers that they shouldn’t close at the stipulated time. However, thanks to the police for their active role in the sub-region, we have been curbing it significantly,” according to the Regional Vice Chairman, Elroy Adolph who represents Kwakwani and Ituni on the committee.

He disclosed that senior police officers in the division recently held a public education forum, along with the doctor in charge of the Kwakwani Hospital, Dr Gregory Harris, the Neighbourhood Democratic Council officials and other prominent community leaders.
This, he said was done with the view of interacting with residents to better understand their concerns and suggestions.

“People have to recognise the urgency and importance that this disease is not only killing people out of Guyana but we are seeing persons in this country also dying, thus we must take all required precautions if we are going to fight this together. Our death toll is currently small but if we do not take appropriate action then it has the potential of being a large number,” Adolph stressed.

The police were able to answer several concerns of residents with regards to the curfew with the police urging them to cooperate for the interest of all.

The police in the district plan to be stricter with businesses that blatantly ignore the curfew regulations. Residents too said they will boycott these businesses if they continue to operate irresponsibly.

“Region 10 have all come together and implemented measures that seek to protect all of us and we can’t allow a few who are stubborn or bent on being disobedient to destroy what we are seeking to achieve. If they do not care about our welfare and those within the community and by extension the region, then we would return the favour of not being interested in supporting their businesses,” Hohenkirk said.

The river pontoon-crossing services are in operation from 06:00hrs to 18:00hrs.