by Linda Straker
- Government cancelled carnival as a means of containing and controlling spread of Covid-19
- Sauteurs and Gouyave believed to have had massive street celebrations
Prime Minister, Dr Keith Mitchell, said he is very concerned about the open violation of Covid-19 regulations by those who coordinated carnival activities in villages and communities despite carnival 2020 being cancelled and the days legally removed as a holiday on the national holiday listing.
Under normal circumstances, 10-11 August 2020 would have marked the culmination of Spicemas carnival celebrations. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, government cancelled carnival as a means of containing and controlling the spread. Grenada since March has had 24 positive cases with no deaths.
Despite the announcement, many people took to the streets feteing and revelling to the music of drums and chants as they displayed the traditional Jab Jab portrayals mainly during the J’ouvert celebrations.
While presenting his ministerial statement during the Parliamentary session on Wednesday, Dr Mitchell who is also the Minister for National Security said that his concern is not based on politics, but the impact the “lawlessness behaviour” can have on the country.
In what can be described as a scolding to the entire nation, Dr Mitchell said from watching the videos in circulation, he believes that there were people behind the scenes pushing a narrative. “It’s unfortunate, seems like some take this for a joke,” he said, reminding the House that the decision to cancel carnival had all to do with the spread of Covid-19. He explained that the police did not proceed to detain and arrest those who openly violated the law of the land by applying better judgement to the situation, but some apparently saw the move as a reason to do their own thing.
He commended the religious communities for the role played in the last few days about reminding the congregants for the need to comply with the Covid-19 regulation.
The towns of Sauteurs and Gouyave were believed to have had massive celebrations on the streets.
Anthony Boatswain, Member of Parliament for St Patrick West, while speaking on the adjournment, apologised for the behaviour of his constituents. “This was total disregard for those in authority…I see it as a move to test the resolve of the authority forces. This act of defiance is not typical of our country. We [are] like copycats, imitating false values,” he said.
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Prime Minister Dr.Keith Mitchell You should realize that the people was locked down to control the Covid and had enough time to realize that their future is dark.So Mr. Prime Minister what you’re seeing is a people who have revolted on you.Just remember you can’t keep poor educated people down forever.Look around go on the ground and you see.How could you allow Chinese to be truck drivers in Grenada? Are you going crazy?I Iwork in the oil and gas industry all over the world and we are not all allowed to do jobs that the locals can.We will train them.
If we are Covid free, what harm does letting off a little steam do, other than upset Kieth.
Many people are out of money, hungry, a little pleasure will help to keep the people more receptive to a hard struggle. These gatherings can not be detrimental to health, if there is not any Covid on the island, not like it will be happening every day, after four months, it is healthy to blow off a little steam. If the politicians are going to continue asking people to keep having to make sacrifices…..some give and take is needed here.
Give us the answer:
In this green little place, we call home sweet home.
Let us build this country to attain political power…
But some hearts are like stone.
And some actions are menacing…
Short man, are you reading this?
Give us the solutions…
Let us check our History together,
We are one people, one family and one nation.
Therefore, if one spilled innocent blood, everyone is forgiven.
If you are corrupt, open your mouth and say,
This was my mantra – if not
Give us the answer…
By: Bernard Charles.
Lawlessness, he says!? A man who is trying to install a Police State through garbage deceitful legislation that would remove the Rule of Law and allow Grenada to be run by his cronies who continue to act in their own self interest, who seek to allow the seizures of personal property without Warrant, has the gall to speak about Lawlessness
Show me where the attempts are being made to turn Grenada into a “police state” you are delusional.
So the MP for those areas what did they do to avoid this from happening when it is alleged that a party for the rich folks took place the Saturday prior to the carnival dates .
Now we must take stalk of the local poor people who is a majority of our little island so what do you think they will do after hearing what took place.
The day should be assigned as a day off with restrictions as to no large gathering (with physical disatance of course)