by Linda Straker
- Grenada currently has 2 positive cases of Covid-19
- No carnival celebrations in 2021 aimed at ensuring there is no outbreak
- Recent weekends have seen proliferation of Jab Jab or J’ouvert type activities
None of the Jab Jab events occurring on weekends at different locations across the island has received permission from the Ministry of Health nor the Royal Grenada Police Force.
“I want to clearly state, because I have heard some individuals saying that the Ministry of Health, or the Royal Grenada Police Force have given permission for some of those activities — that is not the case,” Health Minister Nickolas Steele said on Tuesday, 20 July 2021.
Traditionally, carnival celebrations are launched between April and May, with several private and public sector activities as part of the build-up to celebrations climaxing with a street parade on the second Monday and Tuesday in August. Despite currently having 2 positive cases of Covid-19, Grenada will not have carnival celebrations in 2021 as part of measures aimed at ensuring there is no outbreak of the virus through mass gatherings.
However, police have confirmed that recent weekends have seen a proliferation of Jab Jab or J’ouvert-type activities in communities that are known for organising massive Jab Jab bands.
“We have all seen the increase in activities over the weekend(s) of individuals taking it upon themselves to defy the regulations, to defy law enforcement and to come out and play jab,” Steele said as he reminded citizens why the Government took the decision to cancel the carnival for 2021.
“We are in a pandemic. We are high risk and as such, I am pleading with individuals, please have common sense prevail…no J’ouvert type, no Jab Jab type activity has been given permission at all and therefore, we are asking all our law-abiding citizens and all of our Grenadians to please think twice. No one in the USA, in Trinidad, in the British Virgin Islands, in St Kitts, no one went out with the expectation of getting Covid,” he said, referring to the increasing number of cases in these jurisdictions.
If the government is actually telling the Grenadians the truth, that we only now have two imported cases of Covid, both in isolation.
How can there be a risk to the country from community spread, where is the Covid going to come from to spread into the community, this is just control.
No wonder Grenadians do not want to get vaccinated, if there is no Covid, there is more of a health risk in taking the vaccine than from catching Covid.
Any person entering Grenada must have had a PCR test, and all must quarantine for 2/7 days until cleared.
Why can the locals not gave a few parties/fets, it is not logical ??
Consider the influx of people coming in to play jab during carnival. Would that not create the possibility of bringing the virus to the unsuspecting and giving it leeway to spread like wildfire? I understand that that last 2 years have been restricting for those of us used to gathering and enjoying ourselves, but is a jump-up worth putting ourselves and our families at risk, or causing the spread of this virus knowing what our healthcare system is like if we happen to need medical attention?
It’s really sad that our people are not paying attention. Covid is real and for those who feel other wise and refusing to wear mask consider those who appreciate life. On the bus this morning in Brooklyn, one woman whose entire family is stricken with covid said it’s not a joke. The crazy thing is despite being careful every member in the household is affected. Let science speak and not politics. The entire vworld’s economy is affected. Let’s focus on our health and practise godly principles as these are the only avenues to true recovery. Please obey the law and appreciate the beauty of Grenada.
I’m lost….does COVID come from the sky? With all the restrictions in place they’re concerned about the spread of COVID? From where may I ask? They’re applying these scare tactics to manipulate people into take the vaccine. Lighten up…give the folks a break. Is it so hard to see people have fun and enjoy themselves? Stop with the dictator mentality. So its clear there is no carnival…will a little jab hurt the country?
Exactly