— task force threatens legal action, suspension of licences

POPULAR “night spot,” Palm Court, located on Main Street, Georgetown, has received its “final warning” from the National Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Task Force (NCTF) for breaching the established COVID-19 emergency measures.

The NCTF, in a letter dated November 21, 2020, said it is evident that despite being warned on October 30, 2020, the entertainment spot continues to defy the COVID-19 measures. The letter did not state specifically what measure (s) the night spot breached.

These emergency measures were made pursuant to Paragraphs (1) and (2) (b) of the Direction by the President, given under the Public Health Ordinance, Cap. 145 and published in the Official Gazette, Legal Supplement –B, on March 16, 2020.

The letter, written by Director of the NCTF, Nazrul Hussain, said that Palm Court has continued to breach those guidelines and show blatant disregard for the COVID-19 measures.
“This blatant disregard to the COVID-19 measures reflects your contempt for the Laws of Guyana, which may result in the application of legal sanctions with the possibility of having all privileges suspended or licences revoked,” the NCTF warned.

Palm Court was told to direct any queries or responses to either the NCTF or the Ministry of Health.
According to health authorities, the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No. 8) will expire on November 30, 2020, unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.

Included in the gazetted measures is a national curfew, strict social distancing guidelines and restrictions on the operation of night clubs and other pubs/entertainment spots, particularly those which have indoor operations.