October 26, 2021, Kingstown – As the citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) celebrate the nation’s Forty Second (42nd) Anniversary of Independence, the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) advises every one to continue to comply with the various rules and protocols that have been implemented by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) to reduce and contain the spread of the Coronavirus.
These protocols include the Recommendations for the Managed Conduct of Mass Gatherings with or without Amplified Music issued by the Health Services Subcommittee of the National Emergency Committee/COVID 19 Task Force; Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment.
The RSVGPF encourages citizens to exercise restraint and stay at home as far as possible over the extended (holiday) weekend. If you must leave your home for any reason – wear a face mask or face-covering, practice social/physical distancing, sanitize your hands, or wash them regularly with soap.
Omnibus operators are reminded to adhere to the protocols that are in place for drivers, conductors, and passengers. These include; being fully vaccinated or having a negative COVID-19 test result, wearing facemasks, carrying the legally acceptable number of passengers.
All commuters are advised to drive with due care and attention and with consideration for other road users. Do not consume too much alcohol that may blur your vision and impede your judgment and control of your motor vehicle.
The RSVGPF informs that existing pieces of legislation among others are highly relevant in the circumstances for enforcement:-
Public Health Act
Public Health (Amendment) Act 2020
Public Health (COVID-19) Rules 2021 and other related pieces of legislation
The Noise Control Act
The Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act The Litter Act
Accordingly, the RSVGPF would be conducting patrols to ensure the following:
No playing of amplified music in public or private places without authorization from the Commissioner of Police
No mass gatherings of persons on beaches, or other social events including; river cooks, picnics, etc.
Social and physical distancing is being practiced
Motorists and commuters are adhering to the protocols with regards to public transportation and; the number of passengers riding in omnibuses
No boat rides and or; excursions
Quarantined persons remain at their designated places of confinement.
The RSVGPF did not grant permission for the playing of amplified music or the hosting of any event that is not in keeping with national COVID-19 Rules and Protocols.
The RSVGPF thanks the public for their cooperation and support as we work hand in hand towards the maintenance of the health, safety, and security of SVG. Happy Forty Second (42) Anniversary of Independence.