Violence further threatens COVID-19 ravaged entertainment sector – A blatant disregard for the COVID-19 safety rules continues and even more alarming, lives are being taken at the same time. Mass shootings at two separate entertainment events over the weekend resulted in the death of three (3) people and twenty (20) persons being injured.
The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Desmond Mckenzie who spoke on Sunday at the launch of Local Government and Community month, says the only way Jamaica can overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, is through personal responsibility and honesty of citizens.
“There is a ban on parties. Night clubs are banned from operating, but yet, the police, within the last 48 hours have arrested and charged more than one hundred (100) persons who were found participating in various night clubs across the country.” Desmond Mckenzie says.
Even worse, eleven (11) persons were shot, one fatally, at a party that was in breach of the Disaster Risk Management Act on Friday, October, 30.
Two days after, twelve (12) persons were shot in Gordon’s District, White House Westmoreland, resulting in the death of two men. Reports are that the shooting took place at a bar in the community where a bike show was being held.
Minister Mckenzie says the Government can only do so much and no more to get citizens to comply with the Covid-19 safety measures.
Meanwhile, the President of the Jamaica Association of Professional DJs, Promoters and Sound System Owners, Lenworth ‘Squeeze’ Samuels says he understands the plight of promoters and patrons who have been facing restrictions for the longest while.
Nonetheless, he asserts that he does not support any breach of the curfew hours or violence against members of the police force who are enforcing the law.
However, he says there needs to be a re-negotiation so people can find way to live with the virus.
ALADDEN LOVE
