Desir says he sent face shields after PM did not wear a mask

Acting Police Commissioner Milton Desir has commented on videos in which Prime Minister Allen Chastanet can be seen walking through communities and engaging with residents, without wearing a mask. Section 15 of the Emergency Powers (Disasters) (COVID 19) (Curfew) (No. 9) Order states: “In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID 19, a person shall wear a mask or other covering fitting over the nose and mouth when in public.” The general penalty for contravening the Order is imprisonment not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding $1000.

During an interview on the National Television Network today, Desir was asked by Lissa Joseph if any action would be taken by the police. “Action has been taken,” said the acting commissioner, stating that the situation on the ground would determine how persons attend to it. “From what I saw— and it was the day after from videos of he being at certain places— what I saw was persons even carrying red around him, trying to I don’t know if they were scolding him, chastising him.

“I don’t think that the prime minster planned to have a motorcade with persons in red, I don’t think that. However, what I saw and what I pick out was that he was not wearing a mask at the time. So we communicated and from information that I received, I have sent the face shields, I sent 20. There are seventeen members of parliament, I sent 20; 3 extras,” said Desir.

Stating that he was not speaking specifically about the prime minister, the acting commissioner noted that some people have difficulty wearing masks, and they feel stifled and/or feel to faint. The shield, he says, is an alternative. “So if persons are in public the face shield would be a substitute for the mask. So that is action taken. And as I said, every situation is different.”

Desir said that in his estimation, the prime minister has not held a mass crowd event. “From what I understood there was no mass crowd event being held by the prime minister, there was not a planned event… It’s not like he wanted or he seek permission. From all indication, there was no intention of holding any mass crowd event by the prime minister.”