During the Government’s weekly press briefing on Monday, February 22nd, the Parliamentary Secretary, Mrs. Quincia Gumbs-Marie, made a special appeal to tourists as well as returning nationals not to breach the quarantine protocols mandated by the Health Authority and the Government of Anguilla.
This subject was dealt with two weeks ago at another press briefing, and a strict warning was issued by Premier Webster that any breach of quarantine would be treated as a criminal offence. Notwithstanding, it is becoming more apparent that those who should remain in quarantine are taking chances to break the rules. These breaches have the potential to endanger the health and lives of others due to the severity of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Mrs. Gumbs-Marie cautioned: “I wish to take this opportunity to advise persons visiting the island, whether tourists or returning nationals, to follow the protocols that exist. We can still enjoy the status of being in close quarters as we are here, today. We can enter each other’s space and have gatherings and move around, still mask-free. This might not be a luxury that we will have forever, although we are trying our best to ensure that we remain that way.
“However, this is an opportunity for all of us to exercise our responsibility as a community. The more persons break the stipulated protocols, the less likely these simple luxuries that we are enjoying today would stay with us. So, this is a message to those people who work in hospitality field at the hotels and villas: Please reach out to us if you are aware of anyone who has breached the quarantine protocol. Your identity will be protected. We will continue to do what we have been doing to ensure that your identity remains secure.”
Mrs Gumbs-Marie made a special appeal to returning quarantined nationals: “Please be vigilant,” she cautioned. “Do not compromise our status as being still COVID-19 free by carelessly allowing friends and family to visit you while you are still in quarantine.”
She reiterated: “Anyone who knows of any instance where quarantine protocols are being broken, please report it. You may call our 911 number or dial our special hotline at 476-7627 which is 476-SOAP; or you may call 584-4263 which is 584-HAND.”
The Parliamentary Secretary continued: “Many people are of the view that Government is hiding or protecting those persons who were already caught committing breaches. However, one must understand that there is a separation of powers, and when we discover any beaches those persons are definitely dealt with by the Court of Law.”
She insisted that the Royal Anguilla Police Force takes the responsibility for apprehending such persons just as they would take charge of any other offender who would have broken any other law. “The court, the Royal Anguilla Police and the AG’s Chambers would get involved in all cases of quarantine breaches to ensure that justice is administered,” she declared.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
