HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville. Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff
By EARYEL BOWLEG
Tribune Staff Reporter
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
AFTER the promoters of a recent party, which attracted hundreds of persons, were not cited, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said if an event has not been approved by the Ministry of Health it should be shut down.
One of the promoters who hosted a party on January 8 admitted last week to The Tribune that no approval by the Ministry of Health had been given, however he said police were present at the event.
The promoter could not say off hand how many people attended the Blue Notes Birthday Celebration at Luna Night Club, however he estimated there were about 200-300 attendees. He said such precautions as checking for COVID-19 tests and vaccination cards were taken.
On Friday, Dr Darville said the reality is “the law is clear” when asked if events can go on without the ministry’s approval.
“The Ministry of Health for mass gathering has the final approval. If an event has not been approved by the Ministry of Health and the promoter cannot produce evidence of that I think the event should be shut down. That’s final at this particular time in the pandemic.”
He said the Ministry of Health is responsible for policy and not for enforcement which is the responsibility of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
“We are concerned about any event that takes place that we are unaware of,” said Dr Darville. “More enforcement is always better and I am pushing for more enforcement to get the necessary manpower in order for us to accomplish that.”
Footage of the event, which was shared on social media, showed a crowd of persons gathered near a stage; very little social distancing and masks were observed.
In late December, the Ministry of Health and Wellness announced that due to the increase in COVID-19 cases, effective immediately, it would not approve any large gatherings and will suspend all current approvals.
Comments
TalRussell 2 years, 3 months ago
It's totally hogwash poppycock what de Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville has run his mouth about, because 99% of crimes committed were not caught in de act but still de police were to later arrest, charge and haul them before de courts. And everything else like this and that, ― Yes?
Dawes 2 years, 3 months ago
LOL No one has been listening to the rules for a long time. Why does Government keep saying they will enforce them when every weekend they are shown to do nothing of the sort. All it does is make them look silly (this was the same for the last government).
whogothere 2 years, 3 months ago
Time to ditch the Rules.. There is no health crisis.
tribanon 2 years, 3 months ago
Time to ditch the government too because there is no governance.
realfreethinker 2 years, 3 months ago
I love this statement. Kudos
Sickened 2 years, 3 months ago
Like everything in The Bahamas it's best to do whatever you want and then, on the off chance that you are caught, ask for forgiveness. These guys will go unpunished after making thousands of dollars in profits. Sounds like the numbers criminals back in the day.
mandela 2 years, 3 months ago
The Minister of Health only makes the policy not enforce it, it is for the police to enforce the policy. The police would rather rush upon a gathering of 31 with only one person over the limit and wreak havoc on them, but will play Stevie Wonder when promoters or persons with deep pockets have functions with 1000% attendance over the policies allowance. I wonder why?
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