Local Government Minister, Desmond Mckenzie says police clamped down on 150 illegal parties on the weekend in several parishes.
The Minister says although the Prime Minister’s recent COVID-19 restrictions are limited to Westmoreland, the Government will have a no-tolerance approach towards breaches over the Christmas period.
He is reminding party promoters, organizers and patrons that breaches of the Disaster Risk Management Act, DRMA over the period will result in arrests.
The Minister was speaking during an official handing over ceremony of several smart phones by telecoms provider Digicel yesterday.
Meanwhile, Minister Mckenzie says he has notified the police high command of individuals seeking to exploit the pandemic for personal financial gains under the restrictions.
Due to growing numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases the government’s imposed restrictions on large gatherings and entertainment events such as parties.
Police on Alert for Violators
However, the Minister says in many instances event promoters have been hosting illegal events under the guise of fish fries and other activities.
The Minister says he has advised the police to be on high alert for these imposter events.
McKenzie says he is also furnished the police with a list of names of pubs and night clubs that continue to host illegal events during the curfew.
He is urging Jamaicans to be mindful of the elderly and other vulnerable individuals over the festive season.
The Minister says while he’s aware that many in the entertainment sector may feel targeted by the safety protocols, the ban remains in place.
He says he will be having discussions on safe ways in which stakeholders can operate during the pandemic.
The Minister says while he is aware of the economic constraints for many in the sector it is no excuse for persons to host spreader events.
Minister McKenzie says during the festive season, neither party, ‘uptown or downtown’ will be allowed.
He’s also reminding Jamaicans not to be tricked by groups or individuals seeking to exploit them for gain during the pandemic seeking donations for treats to assist the poor or vulnerable.
He says the Government’s not endorsed any such events and will be tough on those seeking to host events during the holiday period.
CVM Live‘s Neika Lewis reports:
