By Sue-Ann Wayow
HEALTH Minister Terrence Deyalsingh is advising all persons wanting to operate under the TT Safe Zone initiative to seek their own personal legal advice for any further clarification on what can and cannot be allowed.
On Wednesday, he said, “I would advise anyone who wants to operate as a safe zone whether it is a party boat or not to seek your own independent legal advice. That is the best advice I can give them.”
The minister was asked several questions from the media during the Ministry of Health’s virtual Covid-19 update regarding the vessel which was the venue for a Boxing Day event and presently is engaging the attention of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
Deyalsingh said the letter written to him by Managing Director of the Ocean Pelican Adrian Scoon, was not to ask permission but to inform.
He said, “The letter did not seek permission. The letter informed me that they were doing this. Let me clearly state that under Section 8 of the public health rules, we said this when we launched the Safe Zone initiative that once you download the poster that is put up, that is all you need to do and you have agreed to operate as a safe zone.”
The minister nor the ministry does not give permission or the authorisation to operate as a safe zone and neither do they need to be informed, Deyalsingh said.
Deyalsingh also asked that all further questions be directed to the TTPS regarding the Ocean Pelican.
Section 8 of the Public Health Regulations 2021, focuses on the TT Safe Zone policy, who can operate under the policy and the fines that can be implemented as a result of breach. Already several persons have been arrested and fined including bar owners and patrons.
Deyalsingh also said with the type of activities being reported, the ministry would be expecting a surge in positive Covid-19 cases by the first week in January.
However, he continued to plead with the population to avoid gatherings during the holidays.
Quoting World Health Organisation Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Deyalsingh said, “ An event cancelled is better than a life cancelled.”
