Dear Editor,

ATTENTION is drawn to the news report of raid and arrest of proprietor and guests at Sleepin hotel (GC Mar 15). There was a clear violation of the laws and of enforcement of COVID-19 rules by the ranks who raided the hotel.
In perusing through the laws of Guyana on licensing for hotels and for restaurants and bars operating within those premises, Cap 88:22, Part 4, Sec 21 (3), hotels are permitted 24 hours operations and services (travellers) to guests of the hotels.  As stated in the Official Gazette (Feb 26, 2021), a document signed by the Hon. Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony, hotels are granted 24 hours operations, and by extension to provide 24 hours of services to guests. A hotel is not simply a restaurant and bar and can’t be equated with either or both.
One cannot deny guests food and drinks – that is an essential service of hotels, besides lodging.  Off course, as stated in the gazette, hotels and all businesses are mandated to enforce wearing of masks, social distancing, hand washing station, sanitising stations, and other health safety protocols. The Ministry of Tourism plays a role in ensuring operators comply with COVID-19 protocols and rules. Enforcement of rules can’t apply to providing service at a hotel; they apply to protocols like masking.

Heavily armed ranks, dressed in military fatigues and AK 47s, descended on the premises of Sleepin hotel. There was Joint Services operation. Roads were blocked off. There were no warnings. Guests and travellers were simply rounded up and herded and taken into police custody. The very COVID-19 protocols that ranks came to enforce they violated.  Who sent the ranks there and why? Was the PM’s office informed? Do the ranks or their supervisor know the laws and rules?
Based on the laws of Guyana, during a raid, the police or ranks could only arrest a guest or those present in a hotel if he or she refused to provide name and address or if the police believe that guest was untruthful of name and address (suspected of providing false information).

It would seem that the police violated the laws when they raided Sleepin Hotel last weekend.  The hotel was providing legitimate service to guests and travellers. No one was legitimately charged for violating protocols or rules. The police arrested and charged hotel proprietor, Mr. Bacchus. He was not defiant and he did not provide false information on his identity or address.  Mr. Bacchus lived at the hotel and is well known in the public domain. Clearly, he was wrongly arrested. Also, guests had a legitimate right to be at hotel and if not defiant and or not violating COVID-19 rules and regulations, the police lacked power to quiz them and or to make arrests. The state must make amends.
There was wrongful detention. Bacchus and others were humiliated. Should Mr. Bacchus seek compensation?

Yours truly

Vishnu Bisram