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Loopholes and Lawsuit-fears paralyzed officials on Super-Spreader Events

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#TurksandCaicos, August 27, 2021 – The Disc Jockeys hosting the party concert weekend events were out-smarting law makers and jumping through loop holes admitted Minister of Health Jamell Robinson, who hosted a press debriefing on Wednesday to confront  the myriad of issues related to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Government and Police had been criticised for not shutting down potential Covid-19 super spreader events and residents learned that the fear of being sued prevented action to end an August 20th weekend concert series, where American recording artist, Trina was the feature.

“We were alerted about the events taking place.  So we had a meeting and discussed, well was this permitted through us?  The answer was no.  So the next question became, okay, can it go forward?  And out of that discussion, we found that because of the location where the events were being purported to happen that there was a loophole in the regulations.  Such that if you had the event at a normally operating business location, you would be able to get the capacity of 70 per cent vs the required permitting of 50 people.”

Super spreader events are suspected of being at the source of the recent surge; after all, numbers of new cases have been trending up since restrictions were relaxed in July.  Warnings have been issued, threats have been levelled to suspend business licenses for social gathering and mask wearing breaches therefore this time, it is hoped the newest raft of rules will work.

“On further discussion, we said well if this event can take place under the law what is the plan to risk manage it taking place.  So, we had a conversation with the compliance team and in that discussion, we also found out that the international artist who was visiting the country, had already received a temporary work permit to be in the islands. Not only did we have a loophole, we had one arm of Government issuing a permit for that person to be here when the other arm of government had no clue this was taking place,”explained the Minister of Health.

Instead of applying for their events to the Ministry of Health, the promoters danced past the Environmental Health Department and regulators leaving officials paralysed by reasonable fears of costly lawsuits.

“We can take the risk of quote on quote, shutting that event down, which many persons cried out and asked us to do.  We would have left the government liable for not only the cost of the event being put on but also for defamation and damages to the promoter and the organisers of the event.”

The Minister said, certainly a law suit would have been imminent but now those loopholes are plugged.

Following a Cabinet decision, even more scrutiny will come for events which allow 50 people in attendance, as Dr. Nadia Astwood, the Chief Medical Officer will also have to approve the application.

Temporary work permits for performers, artists and entertainers are on freeze, indefinitely.

Additionally, since these events usually draw party-goers and revelers, a new mandate and tighter rules are in force as of next month.

“There will be no nationwide lockdown,” said Minister Robinson, “All night clubs and bars should will reduce their occupancy to 50 per cent of their registered capacity.  Patrons at night clubs and bars must provide proof of being fully vaccinated. Bars and clubs to be responsible for verifying identity and vaccination status of all participants and a log book kept with the same and shared with the ministry of health and the environmental health department every Monday.”

Identity tags for patrons will also be introduced; a measure to come on stream by September 14.  All other new measures take effect from Wednesday September 1.

Health and Police promise a better response to suspect and risky party events in future.  The Ministry of Health has informed they do not know if these events have led to the coronavirus surge, hospitalizations or deaths due to a lack of cooperation in the contract tracing process.

 

Bahamas News

Monument Supports Hands for Hunger With Paradise Plates Debut  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ leading wine and spirits distributor, proudly supported Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger annual fundraiser with a flavorful offering of its newest product, Monument Beverage Co.

Monument, which launched this July and is available across six major islands, made its Paradise Plates debut. Guests enjoyed three bold flavors: Peach Passion, Ginger-Lime and Melon Fizz as they socialized throughout the evening.

Monument brand ambassadors engaged guests with knowledge on the ready-to-drink beverage’s unique taste and look. Many attendees were delighted to learn that Monument is 100% Bahamian-made and owned and enjoyed seeing the various national landmarks on the packaging.

The booth was adorned with vibrant brand colors, striped arches, tropical florals and a photo worthy backdrop featuring Monument cans filled with florals cascading down the wall.

At the end of the event, the entire Monument inventory had finished, making Monument’s Paradise Plates debut a huge success.

For more details on Caribbean Wines & Spirits, new products and specials, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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Bahamas News

Schweppes ‘the Art of Mixology’ Dazzles at Paradise Plates with Nemiroff Vodka

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Schweppes, in collaboration with Nemiroff Vodka dazzled guests with handcrafted cocktails during Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger’s annual fundraiser held at Atlantis’ Imperial Ballroom.

The evenings’ theme, 70’s: Paradise Disco, inspired bold and delicious sips from Schweppes and Nemiroff.  The beautiful disco themed Schweppes booth, adorned with LED signs, lush greenery and hanging black and gold metallic orbs shined throughout the room.

Schweppes’ brand representatives and mixologists dressed in chic 70’s speakeasy attire engaged attendees throughout the night. Guests enjoyed receiving knowledge of each product and experiencing the vibrant energy of brand representatives.

Nemiroff Vodka, which is locally distributed by Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor; offered a unique variety of vodkas which made the perfect blend with Schweppes. Guests enjoyed, Nemiroff’s Honey Pepper, De Luxe, Burning Pear, Wild Cranberry, and Bold Orange vodkas throughout the night.

Fan favorite cocktails of the night were: the Wild Cranberry Tonic and the Bold Orange Fizz.

Following a positive response at Paradise Plates, CWS is offering Nemiroff and Schweppes specials at local liquor stores for the entire month. With the purchase of any 1-liter Nemiroff vodka, enjoy a complimentary three-pack of Schweppes mixers, to recreate the magic of Schweppes and Nemiroff.

Cara Douglas-Adderley, Senior Marketing Director for Caribbean Bottling (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products and CWS shared the inspiration behind the Schweppes and Nemiroff promotion.

“We are thrilled to have paired Schweppes and Nemiroff for Paradise Plates this year, creating a premium cocktail experience for guests. After receiving such positive feedback, we wanted to extend that experience to consumers at home. Throughout October, consumers can visit their favorite watering hole, buy any 1-liter Nemiroff bottle and receive a free three-pack of Schweppes.”

Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to offer Schweppes, Coca-Cola’s premier mixer in collaboration with Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Nemiroff Vodka at Paradise Plates in support of Hands for Hunger’s mission.

For more information on CBC’s philanthropic work, new products and specials, visits www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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Beaches Turks & Caicos gives Enid Capron Primary a pre-term facelift

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has refreshed the grounds of Enid Capron Primary School in Five Cays, Providenciales, ahead of the new school year, with a landscaping team from the resort, pruning and cutting back overgrown branches to give the campus a cleaner, safer look.

The project focused on the school’s exterior plantings, where tangled growth had begun to encroach on walkways and outdoor learning areas. The team spent time trimming hedges, thinning dense shrubs and removing deadwood to improve sightlines and airflow around the buildings.

Assistant Landscaping Manager, Kemar Jones said the work at Enid Capron is a regular priority for the department, which views community giving as a core part of its mandate. He noted that supporting local schools, particularly through hands-on environmental work, has long been a focus area for his team.

Jones, said the effort reflects the group’s wider commitment to the islands. “As a team, our goal is to give back to our communities and especially providing support for the environment and education,” Jones noted. “The team is always ready to share our skills with making the school environment more comfortable for our students and teachers.”

General Manager Deryk Meany framed the project as part of Beaches’ broader approach to working alongside the community beyond the resort gates. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we operate as a team not only within the confines of the resort but also with our communities,” Meany added. “Being able to share our varied skills is always our main focus. Providing a comfortable learning environment allows for a greater relationship with our educational collaborators.”

He added that the resort seeks opportunities to support range of school-based initiatives, from environmental and leadership clubs to creative programmes.

Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Hon. Rachel Taylor described the landscaping mission as a continuation of a long-standing relationship between the Ministry and Beaches Turks and Caicos. “This mission from our major private sector supporter, Beaches Turks and Caicos is a long standing activity,” Taylor said. “At Enid Capron Primary School, we are treated as family. Once we reach out to the resort, they have always responded in a positive way.”

Hon. Taylor said the support is particularly valuable in the areas of education and community development, where consistent private-sector engagement can amplify government efforts.

Nelene Swann, vice principal at Enid Capron Primary welcomed the refreshed grounds as a boost to morale before classes resume. “This is what true collaboration looks like,” she noted. “This is more than a facelift for the school. The team from Beaches Turks and Caicos has shown true commitment in adding to this learning environment for our students and teachers.”

She said the improved landscaping contributes to a more comfortable and inviting campus for all stakeholders. “This is a good way to start the new school year. This facelift will certainly make the facilities here at the school more appealing to our students, teachers and parents.

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