COVID breaches will not be tolerated in the tourism sector, warns Bartlett
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett has issued a stern warning that breaches of the established protocols put in place to contain the spread of COVID-19 will not be tolerated in the tourism sector.
Bartlett’s statement on Friday followed the controversial staging of the Mocha Fest event at Rick’s Café in Negril, which the minister said was in direct breach of the Government’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
“I want to make it very clear that the Ministry of Tourism will not tolerate any breaches whatsoever of the protocols that we have established to facilitate the safe operation of the sector. All our partners, local and international, who will engage our tourism product over the next few months – and as long as the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA) exists – must be compliant in all regards,” he said.
Earlier on Friday, the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) withdrew Rick’s Café’s COVID-19 compliance certification with immediate effect.
Consequently, Rick’s Café will be required to undergo a re-certification exercise to ensure strict adherence to the established COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols before it can be allowed to accept visitors again.
Additionally the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has ordered the entity closed for seven days. It also said the management of the establishment has been summoned to a meeting with officials from the Ministry and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) on Monday.
“I am deeply saddened by the fact that such a breach has occurred, however the various arms of Government have acted immediately and firmly,” Bartlett said.
“As minister, I am deeply saddened by any activity whatsoever which breaches any element of the DRMA. These breaches undermine the protocols that we worked so hard to create and the resilient corridors which have gained international recognition because of the high compliance level which we have had and the impeccable record of very low instances of infection,” he added.
“All activities which are being undertaken within the sector must comply with the protocols established. Failing which, the security forces are well aware of their actions and their rights in that regard,” he warned.
Related stories:
Jamaicans outraged at alleged Mocha Fest event in Negril
Rick’s Cafe apologises as Mocha Fest party fuels fury
JTB says no permission was given for Mocha Fest, promises probe and sanctions
TPDCo slaps sanction on Rick’s Café for Mocha Fest
