At a meeting with promoters held on Monday, Minister Daryll Matthew announced that all fetes will be banned for 30 days.
The ban will be reviewed at the end of the period.
Matthew says that time period was chosen since 14 days is reportedly the incubation period and is also the standard being used around the world.
Meanwhile, the Festivals Minister says that there will be an immediate halt to the issuing of licenses for events for a 30-day period.
While some countries have taken a decision to close bars and restaurants to minimize social contact and stop the spread of the virus, Matthew says that it is not a step that the government will be taking at this time.
This is mainly due to the fact that these places do not attract that large a crowd as these annual fetes, which see thousands attending in one close space.
He says it is also easier to control a closed setting like a bar or restaurant as opposed to a fete and the policy is in no way set to disenfranchise anyone.
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While I am not against the bans imposed by the government because of the threat of the coronavirus to us. I would like to know under what authority Minister Daryl Matthew is imposing the bans. We are a country of laws and everything must be done in accordance with the law.
The government is doing the right thing. All bars should be closed, too, just like the “developed” countries. Sit down restaurants should also be closed. This is a matter of life and death. “Charles” may want to know what law is being carried out. It’s a matter of the law of life and death. We should choose LIFE. This is an emergency.
@CT did you ask “under what authority” Baldwin Spencer received the green light to purchase those “new” engines? He did NOT receive PARLIAMENTARY APPROVAL!! Or do you let things slide when it comes to your loser UPP party???
A now some people houses are go turn into night clubs.
Antiguans not that stupid, man! This is a national crises. The government has done the right thing. I doubt if there is a sane Antiguan who would oppose this ban.
@Tabor….I’m sick of you UPP people. Why bring politics in everything ?
Even UPP-ers are in favour of this ban. It’s a necessity, for the health and safety of our people.
Minister Daryl Matthew or the Cabinet cannot unilaterally impose a ban on the operation of bars (a private business). While the coronavirus crisis requires drastic measures to be taken by government, we are still a country governed by laws and even the government must act in accordance with the law. I am not against drastic measures being imposed by the government, however it must be done legally. For a ban to be imposed on the operation of bars, the Governor General would first have to declare a state of emergency. After the declaration of the state of emergency the Cabinet would then have the power to impose regulations on the operation of bars etc and any other matters they may deem necessary for the safety and protection of the citizens of the country.
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