The Barkeepers and Operators Association of Trinidad and Tobago has written to Deputy Commissioner of Police Mc Donald Jacob over claims that members of the TTPS safe zone inspection team are wrongfully charging and allegedly terrorising patrons by only accepting original proof of vaccination which is in contravention of the public health ordinance.
BOATT said this is only happening in the South Western division.
In a statement, BOATT said that the current health ordinance states that “only vaccinated persons twelve years of age and over, on presenting a valid vaccination card or a copy thereof and a form of identification at point of entry, are allowed within the premises of the business.”
BOATT said this was further clarified by the signatory of the health ordinance, Minister of Health Terrance Deyalsingh at the ministry’s press conference on October 27, when Minister Deyalsingh stated that both a photocopy and an electronic copy (photo on phone) is acceptable to enter a safe zone.
BOATT added it is even more so “deeply concerned” about this situation as the “South Western division is the only division in Trinidad and Tobago intentionally carrying out this error in enforcement which raises the question about an alleged ulterior motive by TTPS officers in this specific area.”
The Barkeepers and Operators Association of Trinidad and Tobago said it has written to DCP MacDonald Jacob requesting his immediate intervention in this matter.
It has also requested a meeting to discuss this matter as well as allegations of police-protected safe zone establishments that are in violation of the health ordinance throughout Trinidad and Tobago.