Now that the videos showing a social event to the birthday celebration of Minister of Tourism and Transport Zane DeSilva’s wife have gone viral, ‘the Government will conduct an inquiry and if it is confirmed that rules were violated without reasonable excuse, sanctions will be issued”.
The videos sparked a flurry of criticism and dismissal on social media this weekend, showing several people, who were not wearing masks, dancing, including Mr DeSilva and the Minister of National Security, Wayne Caines.
According to the statement released today, a Government spokesperson said: “MEF Enterprises Limited was granted a large group exemption for the Meals on Wheels charity fundraising dinner, under the Public Health (COVID-19 Emergency Powers) Regulations 2020, by the Minister of National Security.
“The exemption was granted under regulation 5 (4), permitting a group of more than fifty persons to assemble on Friday, July 3rd 2020 from 6pm to 11pm at the Blu Bar and Grill Restaurant and as required, a notice was placed in the Official Gazette prior to the event.
“The notice required persons to wear masks and to adhere to guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health. From the videos shared, it can be seen that those rules were not being adhered to at all times during the event.
“The Government will conduct an inquiry and if it is confirmed that rules were violated without reasonable excuse, sanctions will be issued under Section 7[2] of the Public Health [COVID-19 Emergency Powers] Regulations 2020, which permit the Minister of Health to close an establishment that does not comply with health directions.”
