Rick’s Cafe given permission to resume business
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Desmond McKenzie, says that Rick’s Cafe, which breached the COVID-19 protocols by hosting a Mocha Fest party at its premises in western Jamaica, will now be allowed to resume business, having obtained the required operational certification after it was temporarily closed by Order.
Rick’s Café was ordered closed for seven days on Friday, May 28 after hosting Mocha Fest, which led to Jamaicans accusing the authorities of double standard over the staging of entertainment events in breach of COVID-19 regulations.
The Tourism Product Development Company Ltd (TPDCo) also withdrew its COVID-19 compliance certification with immediate effect, noting that it would have to undergo a recertification exercise to ensure strict adherence to the established COVID-19 health and safety protocols before it can be allowed to accept visitors again.
In a statement from the ministry today, McKenzie explained that, “It emerged during our meeting with the management of the entity that its Places of Amusement Licence had expired, since then they have completed the application process and the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation has issued them with this licence.
Accordingly, Rick’s Cafe is now compliant in this regard, and as it was already properly certified by the Jamaica Fire Brigade and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, it will be allowed to return to business. However, this does not facilitate parties or any other entertainment events at Rick’s Café, as these are still banned by Order across the island.”
“The Government remains vigilant about appropriately managing COVID-19, while gradually reopening the economy. To this end, we continue to seek the public’s help in reporting any breaches as they occur. If there is far greater compliance with the public health protocols, we will more quickly get to the goal of a full resumption of economic and social life,” the minister added.
Read: Rick’s Café ordered closed for 7 days after Mocha Fest
