TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO’S HEALTH MINISTER PULLS OUT OF PARTY BOAT INCIDENT, REDIRECTS TO POLICE SERVICE

By a Staff Reporter: Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh made it clear that his ministry does not give permission to operate as a safe zone.

This in response to questions from the media surrounding an incident on Boxing Day where 100 persons were held on party boat, which was transformed into a floating restaurant.

The event organizer claimed that he wrote to the Health Miniter seeking permission and also to Attorney General Faris Al Rawi for legal advice. The Attorney General has since refuted any claims of him giving the organizer any advice on the situation.

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions are currently probing the event. Partying on pleasure craft is illegal under Public Health Regulations.

But Minister Deyalsingh faced some pressure for his response as there was no clarity on the operation of party boats as safe zones. He redirected all questions on the implementation of safe zones to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.

He further advised persons to refer to the Public Health Regulations for clarity and to seek their own independent legal advice.