Persons Who Should Be Protecting The Law Are Among The COVID LawBreakers

(By Ernesto Cooke) – Starting this weekend, 28th May, the police would increase their patrols to deal with mass gatherings across the island.

On Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Montgomery Daniel said the Ministry of Health is seeing a worrying trend related to social distancing and mass gatherings.

Daniel noted that amplified music is also on the rise and adds to the increase in large gatherings.

“There are several vans, cars, SUV’s with well-amplified music that are creating gatherings, particularly in certain hotpots, beaches, this kind of action is creating a worrying situation.”

“one area that was under tremendous discussion at Thursday’s meeting was that area in Barrouallie, in the vicinity of blackfish facility, that place attracts several gatherings, and it has been identified that even some of the individuals who are supposed to be protecting (enforce) the law are part and parcel of those gatherings.”

“The police was called in for the discussions Thursday to ensure that the cabinet is serious in terms of the execution of their work as police concerning COVID-19”.

Daniel said it is the police force that has to identify itself with the law to execute its duty.

“The cabinet has mandated the Attorney General to have a meeting as soon as possible with the police to ensure that the various legislation and the Statutory Rules and Orders (SRO’s) are applied accordingly.”

“If there has been somewhat of a lapse in the knowledge of the officers in executing their duties, the sit down will enlighten the officers as to what is the laws concerning SRO’s in St Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Daniel said the Ministry of Health is concerned about the spiraling of the disease in St Vincent and has asked the cabinet for its wisdom in assisting in the level of control of COVID-19.