Loop News
A screengrab from a video of the big May 27 Mocha Fest party at Rick s Cafe in Negril, Westmoreland in breach of the Disaster Risk Management Act.
Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Desmond McKenzie, has disclosed that Rick s Café in Negril, Westmoreland will now be allowed to resume business.
The development came after the renowned attraction was ordered closed for seven days, a day after alleged wholesale breaches of COVID-19 protocols were observed in viral videos at a Mocha Fest party that was held at the venue on Thursday, May 27.
At the time of the closure, McKenzie said Rick s Café would have to undergo recertification because the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) withdrew its COVID-19 compliance certification with immediate effect on Friday, May 28.
Westmoreland Getting Ready For Hurricane Season – Jamaica Information Service jis.gov.jm - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from jis.gov.jm Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
“Andrew? Honestly, 2say im UPSET is an UNDERSTATEMENT! Ppl are suffering bc of these nightly curfews; can barely pay bills & buy food. Small business sector suffering due 2 weekend curfew hours BUT #mochafest can keep!? Foreigners can come here & BREATHE WHILE WE SUFFOCATE!!! https://t.co/ML71esFJlB”
twitter.com
In a statement on Friday, the JTB said it gave “no undertaking for sponsorship or endorsement of such activities since the start of the pandemic.”
The JTB also said it is “extremely disappointed to learn from videos in circulation on various social media platforms, that proper observance of COVID-19 protocols was not in full compliance during an event held at Rick’s Café.”