Cops sound warning amid DRMA breaches
Published:Wednesday | January 6, 2021 | 12:21 AMGareth Davis Sr/Gleaner Writer
Berrydale, Portland:
The Portland police have ramped up efforts to clamp down on operators of bars and entertainment venues who have been flouting orders made under the Disaster risk Management Act (DRMA) to curb the spread of the coronavirus on the island.
Portland commander Superintendent Duane Wellington told The Gleaner on Monday night that more than 20 persons, including business operators, have been charged for breaches of the DRMA in the parish in the last two weeks of 2020.
Entertainment events have been banned under the orders as well as public gatherings of more than 15 persons.
“Between the period December 18 to December 31 of 2020, more than 20 persons have been charged and are awaiting court appearances. We have identified that there are persons, who, despite being warned, continue to ignore the curfew order and are engaged in large gatherings. It does not mean that because you were warned last week, you will get away with the same thing this week,” he said.
“We have a job to do in ensuring that everyone complies with not only the curfew order, but also the basic protocols under the DRMA. We have heard horror stories of parties being held in secluded areas,” he said, adding that cops will be disrupting such activities and charging people for breaches.
On Sunday, 50-year-old businesswoman Carline Miller of Shanty Town in Berrydale was arrested and charged for breaches of the act.
According to the police, Miller was initially warned for breaching the DRMA and also the Noise Abatement Act at about 7:30 p.m. on the day.
When a police team was passing by the area again some four hours later, they observed a large gathering of more than 150 people at the venue operated by the businesswoman.
Miller was subsequently charged and is to appear before the Portland Parish Court.