‘Is either lock up or bruk up’ - Bishop Escobar supports curfew

Dancehall selector Bishop Escobar says he is in full support of the curfew imposed by the Government to help curb the spread of the coronavirus in the island. The islandwide curfew, which took effect yesterday, will see law enforcers combing the streets from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Persons found in violation of the curfew will be dealt with to the full extent of the law. As he urged Jamaicans to adhere to the rules outlined by the Government, Escobar says in times like these, he completely endorses the saying "who can't hear must feel".

"It's sad to say, but things in Jamaica can get to the level it is in other countries around the world because this thing is no joke, and we already have a tendency in Jamaica fi nuh take nothing serious. Right now the Government a impose certain restrictions and dem just a try fi minimise the spread of this virus," he said. "We soon reach 50 cases. I honestly believe that people weh still a go a di bar dem, a keep the party dem, and nah pay the rules nuh mind and a do dem own thing, di law fi deal wid dem a way."

He went as far to say that in the curfew, "if the police wah beat people, me nuh care".

People a guh bawl

"Is either lock up or bruk up. All if dem ketch people and throw hot water pan dem, me nuh response, because dem affi use whatever force dem can fi get people in line if dem nah comply," he said. "Some people a guh bawl 'bout police brutality, but yuh can't have people outside casually just a play dominoes or a hang out pan di corner now. If people can just stop, look and listen, and adhere to the rules. Me honestly feel like by end of summer we should be good, or even before that."

The entertainer expressed that this period of self-quarantine has been difficult on everyone. He revealed that he hasn't seen his daughter in a month, as he is taking every precaution to ensure her safety.

"I've cut down on my interaction with people but because of the nature of my job, I still come in contact with people and because of that, I decided that it's best to stay away. I'm thinking about her safety," he said. "People need to understand that we more connected than ever in these times, and the safest place right now a inna yuh house."

Escobar also advised Jamaicans that the one-week curfew may be a test by the Government on how to move forward.

He explained that if the public fails that test, it may lead to even stricter sanctions.

"If when dem say by 8 p.m. everybody must off the streets, and 9, 10 o'clock people still out and about, the lockdown time a guh be quicker. So dem a guh move it to 6, 7 o'clock and before you know it, we have a total shutdown," he said. "We just need to do the right thing and stay in. The Government a try help we, but we need to help ourselves. I'm appealing to Jamaicans to please work wid the forces."