Restrictions on gatherings

With campaign fever running high in the country, it is only natural that supporters of all parties join as a way of showing their allegiance. Traditionally, a series of rallies, motorcades and such were held to pass messages and publicize the parties’ goals and agendas – sadly this election will not follow the norm that has been established over the years.

With the Covid 19 pandemic’s arrival, the laws governing public gatherings have drastically changed forcing many of the leaders to advise their supporters to stay at home and keep safe instead of showing up to show support in public places. In the instances that supporters were required to be present, this is also done under the guidelines provided by the Department of Health.

However, recent events whereby impromptu motorcades have been taking place, have prompted the Police to come forward and remind the public that such gatherings were still technically illegal, as the country is still being governed by the laws put in place to contain and control the spread of Covid 19.

“It was sad to see people blocking the roads with motorcades the Sunday before last, keeping in mind that the highway was closed due to the fire at the Providence landfill,” said ASP Antoine Desnousse.

Desnousse was speaking in a press interview on the issue and he went on to add that the laws were clear, a gathering of more than four people who do not come from the same household is illegal.

The laws tend to be very confusing, as with the new Covid 19 regulations, one must seek permission from the Department of Health, as well as from the Police to hold gatherings. Initially, as they stood, parties only had to inform the Commissioner of Police that they would be holding a meeting, but now they have to receive permission to do so.

The Police came out strongly,, warning that cases were being built and sent to court, so as to take tangible action against those found flaunting the law. The premises under which they will be prosecuted, as well as the sanctions that will be imposed on them, is still not clear – will they be given a fixed penalty or will they be sent to jail depends on how the case and the rule of law is interpreted.

It must also be noted that the police has admitted that at the moment, it is mainly working to contain situations instead of the strong-arm tactics against people who still manage to gather whenever there is an illegal political event.

“We are appealing once again to all the leaders to discourage their supporters from gathering and holding motorcades at the moment, as we are still dealing with the COVID 19 situation. With the airports being reopened, it is imperative that we try our best to keep ourselves as safe as possible,” said Police spokesperson, Jean Toussaint.

It is the view of this newspaper that we need to place the best interests of the country first and foremost. This will be achieved if the Covid-19 virus is contained and not allowing it to spread through the community. The political leaders must take their responsibilities seriously and not just pay lip service to the threat of the virus spreading through the community.