The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is awaiting legal advice on possible charges against the proprietors of several popular nightspots who were arrested over breaches of the COVID-19 curfew early in March.
A police source yesterday informed Stabroek News that the police are awaiting the return of the file from the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The source explained that the file was sent to the DPP’s Chambers sometime around March 19 for advice given the nature of the businesses the persons are operating. Stabroek News had previously reported that following an apparent crackdown, 35 persons, including the proprietors of several popular city spots, were detained by police after they were found in breach of the COVID-19 curfew by members of the National COVID Task Force. In a press release, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) had said that ranks conducted an operation in Region 4(a) between 10pm on March 12 and 3.30am on March 13, during which the individuals were detained. A curfew is in place countrywide between 10.30 pm and 4am. The operation targeted places such as the Sleepin bar and casino on Church street, Club Altitude on Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Club Privilege on Main Street, and Kairos Bar at Charlotte Street, Bourda. Among those who were detained were Sleepin proprietor Clifton Bacchus, two of his bartenders and the proprietor of Club Altitude Meer Rahaman.
Ten Chinese nationals, who were at the Sleepin Casino and 18 patrons who were present at Club Altitude at the time, were also detained.
In addition, the manager of Kairos Bar Mark Alleyne and Club Privilege bartender Delon Moffett along with his assistant Akeem Carmichael were also taken into custody.
