Several dozen persons were this evening undergoing treatment for suspected food poisoning at hospitals in Berbice and Georgetown after eating food served at a retreat coordinated by the ‘B’ Division Community Policing Group in the Ancient County.
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee told Stabroek News that some 75 persons were hospitalized following the event at which some 300 persons were in attendance. Rohee, who was present at the event but was not affected, said that the police are investigating the incident and this newspaper understands that the New Amsterdam and Fort Wellington Hospitals in Berbice were overwhelmed with patients late this afternoon.
Sources in Berbice confirmed that close to 200 persons have been affected, experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and exhaustion.
Close to 1 pm today, lunch which included fried rice and pot-roast chicken was served to the attendees at the venue, the Berbice High School. Shortly after, several persons, most of them females began complaining of stomach pains. Widespread vomiting then reigned while persons were rushed to the nearby New Amsterdam Hospital.
Among those treated were personnel attached to the state media. Two members of the group were receiving saline at the Georgetown Hospital last evening. (More later)
