NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (November 03, 2020) — Superintendent Lyndon David, Divisional Commander of the Nevis Division of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, is appealing to business operators and the general public to take the COVID-19 pandemic more seriously now that the borders of St. Kitts and Nevis have re-opened.
Supt. David was at the time presenting at the November 02, 2020 Nevis COVID-19 Emergency Operations Centre Briefing.
He appealed to persons to adhere to the established non-pharmaceutical measures aimed at reducing the spread of the virus.
“The time has come when our borders have been officially opened and as a result the risk has increased and I am saying to persons that we will be seeing, coming to our shores, tourists, returning nationals, therefore it is now more important for all to preserve the results that we have gained thus far. Let us not fall back. So therefore, embrace the protocols that have been handed down to us, so that we can continue to experience this good way of living with COVID-19,” he said.
The Superintendent issued a special appeal to business operators and those in charge of government offices not to be lax with COVID-19 protocol compliance in the face of potentially heightened risk.
“I appeal to all managers and supervisors of businesses and heads of government departments to intensify your efforts to ensure that persons entering your facilities are wearing face masks covering their nose and mouth, and to sanitize their hands.
“I’m also appealing to owners and operators of bars and restaurants to comply and enforce the protocols regarding COVID-19. It is being observed that many of you are just looking more so for the business that you can conduct as opposed to the safety of our citizens. Remember you are at a higher risk as well because you are there interacting with persons coming in and out of your business places. Therefore we are saying to you, take it very seriously especially now that our borders have been opened,” he said.
Secondary school students were also warned to take the pandemic more seriously and to wear masks in public places. Superintendent David said it has been observed that the older students have become complacent with respect to the COVID-19 protocols.
“It is observed that many of you are still not taking it seriously but we are saying to you, this is the time, our borders are now open, and we do not want that anyone of you would feel it’s okay to interact with persons who come in and then all of a sudden you catch COVID and take it home to someone who might be ill or is in the vulnerable stages,” he said.
Superintendent David is also urging heads of sporting organisations to adhere to the protocols for players and spectators alike, noting that there have been a number of breaches.
“If you want the sporting activities to continue, ensure that you are playing your part. Ensure that all sports players, managers and coaches comply. If needs be, sanction them. If needs be, eject persons from your facility, as opposed for the officials to come now and say ‘Close down.’ Avoid that and you play your role to ensure that we are doing it well,” he said.
Owners of passenger buses, taxis, catamarans and passenger ferries were also strongly cautioned to comply with the COVID-19 protocols. The Superintendent urged them to deny access to any passenger who refuses to comply with the requirements and to call the police or any available security personnel if they are met with any resistance.
]]>NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (September 10, 2020) — Superintendent Lyndon David, Officer-in-charge of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, Nevis Division, had some stern words for junior officers who break the law relating to the COVID-19 quarantine sites on Nevis, noting that they would be penalized if caught.
The senior police officer gave the stern warning to the offices stationed on Nevis making a presentation at the Nevis Emergency Operation Centre Briefing at Long Point on September 07, 2020, and urged them to not be lured into breaking the existing COVID-19 Regulations.
“No police officer on site [is] supposed to tell anybody come and bring anything for anybody there. If I know that, that officer will be disciplined.
“I am saying to you my junior ranks, do not let people encourage you to breach these regulations. You are there to enforce it, and that we will do,” he said.
Meantime, Superintendent David noted that it has been brought to his attention, that some persons are attempting to visit the quarantine sites on Nevis. He used the opportunity to remind members of the public of the dangers associated with their actions.
“I understand some of you, you have your relative there. Some of them might be out of the federation for some time but remember, it is better to be safe than sorry, you know the old saying? So, let us go through the process of the 14 days, and when the results come back, yes, they are free to go because they are safe to come and mingle with you, as opposed to later you find that one of them is positive. You might be older and you might have underlying [health] issues, and then you might be on your way to death.
“I am saying to you please do not go visit the quarantine sites. We are saying to you that once you adhere to the regulations, we will not have issues wherein we are seeing around the world where we have many deaths. We have seen many people have suffered because of COVID, once they would have recovered and tell the tale,” he said.
The Statutory Rules and Orders No. 39 of 2020 Emergency Powers (COVID-19) (N0.14), relating to restriction and visitation states that no person shall visit or be permitted to visit (a) any place of quarantine or isolation, (b) any patient in a hospital or residential care establishment or facility including an elderly nursing home.
If a person contravenes or fails to comply with the regulations, they shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000. or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or both, and to forfeiture any goods or money in respect of which the offence has been committed.
]]>NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS July 21, 2020 (Nevis Island Administration) – Beachgoers and persons engaging in sporting activities in Nevis are being commended for adhering to the COVID-19 regulations and protocols.
Superintendent Lyndon David, Divisional Commander of the Nevis Division, Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, in his presentation at the Nevis COVID-19 EOC Briefing on July 20, 2020, credited those persons visiting beaches for maintaining social distancing and not having large gatherings.
“Having made some visits to some of the beaches, I realise there are a number of persons who are trying their best to ensure they comply with the regulations and I would want to say, continue to do so,” he said.
The Nevis COVID-19 Task Force member took the opportunity to remind citizens and residents that there should be no picnics at the beaches, and no parties, especially social gatherings where large groups of persons would be in attendance.
He said that could easily cause the transmission of the COVID-19, which would create a problem in the Federation. Members of the same family are permitted to congregate in small groups when accessing the beach.
Superintendent David further informed that so far there have been no challenges with persons practising sports or conducting sporting exercises, as they have also been largely compliant with the COVID-19 regulations.
“To all sporting organisations, teams, and clubs, continue to ensure your athletes and participants are compliant with the protocols of the regulations,” he said.
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