PM urges entertainers to use their voice to encourage patrons to obey COVID protocols

August 07, 2020
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, addressing a virtual press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister Media Centre in Kingston, on Thursday, August 6.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, has urged entertainers to use their influence in the fight against COVID-19, by encouraging patrons to follow the country’s coronavirus control and prevention protocols.

Speaking on Thursday during a virtual press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister Media Centre in Kingston, Mr. Holness said while the Government is sympathetic towards their concerns, particularly their investments,  they must understand that the Administration cannot put the entire country at risk.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development,  Desmond McKenzie, recently convened a meeting with players in the entertainment industry, following increasing violation of the protocols governing the industry, and the discovery of the staging of more than 700 unauthorised events.

“If we allow entertainment to emerge, then we expect that you must be responsible, and as we have been using moral suasion, entertainers are more influential than politicians, if you truly want your industry to re-emerge, use your powerful voice to encourage the people who subscribe to your parties and attend to follow the protocols.” the Prime Minister urged.

“We can't hide from this virus. We're going to have outbreaks over and over again. Despite our best efforts, someone will act irresponsibly, and even when we all act responsibly, there will be events beyond our control,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the solution is not always to go into lockdown.

"The solution is to ensure that every single Jamaican is a strong fence, that we act responsibly.  That's the only way,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, Mr. McKenzie said since the meeting, there has been a slight upturn in the compliance, but the Government will be taking steps to bring some level of control to what has been taking place, and those measures will be announced next week.

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