JAMAICA: Government Will Ensure Equal Application of DRMA Law – PM

#Kingston, June 1, 2021 – The Government will ensure that there is equal application of the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA) to all citizens, says Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness. “This Government has a duty to make sure that the law is equally applied both to those who have and those who have not,” he said.

Mr. Holness was responding to reports of a breach of the coronavirus (COVID-19) health and safety protocols at Rick’s Café in Negril, while addressing a ceremony at National Heroes Park in Kingston this morning (May 28), to mark the 91st anniversary of the birth of late former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Edward Seaga.

The Prime Minister said he has requested a full report and an investigation into the matter.  He is also urging law enforcement to apply the law without prejudice.  Meanwhile, he is appealing for Jamaicans to continue to observe the health and safety measures and not to become complacent even though several countries have relaxed some of the restrictions.

Mr. Holness pointed out that those countries already have a high percentage of their population vaccinated. “Some as high as 80 per cent vaccinated. We are still hovering at around five per cent, so we can’t take any risks,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo) in a release said that it has withdrawn Rick’s Café’s compliance certification with immediate effect.

The Café will be required to undergo a recertification exercise to ensure strict adherence to the COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols before it can resume operations.

Release: JIS

Contact: Chanel Spence