Peacekeepers Can Issue Steep Fines if People Gather
Written by Webadmin on 20 March 2020
The Kahnawake Peacekeepers have additional powers as a result of an emergency being declared in Kahnawake in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Peacekeeper Chief Dwaine Zacharie says they have the authority to issue fines if people gather together in groups or in places of business. Fines will range between $1000 to $6000. A prison sentence could be a last resort. Zacharie stressed that fines and jail time would be a last resort. He says his force’s officers will be talking first with any groups that gather.
Recreational areas in Kahnawake are being closed immediately including the outdoor rink, the skate park and the basketball court.
“The youth have been gathering in those areas, which in any other situation is a great thing, but there is a potential of spreading the virus,” said Lloyd Phillips, the Commissioner of Public Safety.
The Kahnawake Covid-19 Task Force have now set up a finance committee to look at the impacts on the financial situation in the community. It will look at how business is conducted now and how it will be conducted in the future.
Phillips says overall their job has been made easier with a great deal of cooperation from the community.
“Very good situation in terms of people working together. A very strong sense of community,” Phillips said.
