Devon House reopens but Reggae Mill remains closed

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie announced the reopening of the shops at Devon House in St Andrew.

However, Reggae Mill remains closed following a weekend video of a party it organised in breach of the COVID containment measures under the Disaster Risk Management Order.

McKenzie today had a meeting with the operators of shops at Devon House during which it was decided that the 25 operators other than Reggae Mill should not be penalised.

The Local Government Ministry said Reggae Mill would be closed for two weeks.

Additionally, it said that the entity would not be granted any amusement licence for four to six weeks.

“The operations of Devon House will be closely monitored to see to it that the management of the entity takes all necessary steps to ensure that there are no further breaches of the protocols,” McKenzie said.

According to the minister, the police have been given a list of venues operating in breach of the Disaster Risk Management Order, and they are being investigated, with a view to prosecution.

McKenzie has appealed to Jamaicans to obey all the COVID-19 protocols.

"We are in the middle of a pandemic, and the Government is resolute that no violations of the public-health protocols will be tolerated," he said.

McKenzie also said that he was encouraged by civic-minded Jamaicans who are reporting violators, promising to deal with reported breaches.

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