SOURCE POINTE XPRESS: Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin is issuing a stern warning to those in the country who may wish to openly flout the health protocols put in place by the government to curb the spread of coronavirus disease.
The AG was commenting on a video that depicted scores of people socialising at the popular Ffryes Beach on Sunday afternoon which went viral as it was viewed by thousands of people. “I was appalled at the situation that happened at Ffryes Beach on Sunday afternoon.
I cannot believe that the people of Antigua and Barbuda who are aware of the government’s protocols to stop the virus would persist with great disregard for themselves and others’ safety.
I am amazed that there are individuals in the society who would put their lives in danger by socialising in a manner as they did on Sunday without wearing masks etc,” he declared.
Benjamin stated that this incident would not happen again as he has already held discussions with the police senior command and officers of the outlying districts to ensure that there is no recurrence.
Noting that those who attended the event at Ffryes Beach displayed “a great sense of irresponsibility,” the attorney general is putting those who are inclined to socialise in this manner that such acts would not be tolerated in the future.
He noted that while the police went to the beach after reports were made, unfortunately no charges were filed. “This will not happen again as the police will be better equipped to round-up everyone in attendance and they will be charged. We also hoped that when those charged appear before a magistrate they will receive the maximum penalties under the law if found guilty,” he added.
Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph called the staging of the social event on Sunday “a disrespect for the work of the healthcare workers who risk their lives to care for COVID-19 patients.” He said he could not understand how some people could put their lives at risk with the behaviour that was on display on Sunday
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People seem only to feel things when it affects them personally. We seem to forget the adage to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. I totally agree with the Hon. Minister of Health, activities such as these are a slap in the face of over worked health care providers such as the nurses and doctors and emergency care first responders who are every day, every single day, putting their health at risk, their lives on the line to care for those who present with Covid-19 and other illnesses.
I agree with the AG that when persons are caught flouting the protocols, they should be arrested, charged and brought before the court and if/when found guilty, receive the punishment prescribed by law.
I drove past this on Sunday and could not believe my eyes, it was like carnival on that beach, where are the police during times like this?
Hit them hard. Lock them up. Fine the hell out of them. Such ignorance. They must pay. The law is for the lawless.
Agree with other commentators hopes, but I’m not going to hold my breath.
The Police DID attend the scene on Sunday & took no action according to the AG.
The AG saying what the public wants to hear ““This will not happen again as the police will be better equipped to round-up everyone in attendance ” but it’s empty words.
We’ve never seen Police ’round up EVERYONE” in attendance’ at any ‘breach’ gathering or law breaking incident, pre or during Covid times.
How practical is it?
The bigger challenge is, if the local attending officers do not have the WILL to enact the AG rhetoric, nuttin’ changing.
Law & Order leadership is under scrutiny now.
Sadly the Law enforcement was poorly excuted. People must be held accountable for unacceptable behavioring so callouslly and disobedience to the law. So sad but true, most people are selfish and disrespectful with their foolish behavior.
Yeah but people stress they want to free up Dem selves release the frustration out. I feel for them. Ders no cinema, no club, no gym,. No gathering at beach so wat to do?
It would happen again.Just not at Ffryes Beach.Next Week Half Moon Bay, Long Bay,then on to Pinching Bay.There are 365 Beaches in Antigua.Just pick a Beach and wear your RED OUTFITS.Then the Police would be lost in space.
We the people are more than the dictators ruining this nation. Power to the people. Dictator and traitor Gaston and his cronies must go.
Where are the murderers of Nigel Christian?
Where are the murderers of Nigel Christian?
Where are the murderers of Nigel Christian?
Where are the murderers of Nigel Christian?
Where are the murderers of Nigel Christian?
Where are the murderers of Nigel Christian?
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