Businesses not cleared to open may face action

Businesses which should not be operating during this time under the COVID-19 restrictions may face disciplinary action for failing to adhere.

Minister of Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Commerce, Dwight Sutherland, made this clear last Friday while responding to a query posed by media representatives after touring Massy Supermarket, Warrens, St Michael.

Stressing that Government was very serious and did not value recklessness, he added: “I am certain the Attorney General, who has responsibility for certification in terms of which businesses should be operating, once it is known to him and it is known to the Government, the subcommittee of Cabinet will investigate…. I know they will address the matter in a holistic manner, in a way so as not to cause any animosity, and also to let businesses know that it is not business as usual.

“We have to adhere to the protocols that have been put in place to stem the spread of this virus.  And, if it means closing down businesses, I am sure that is opened to the Attorney General, through the Emergency Management Act legislation that has been passed, and he will enforce it.”