Charlestown, Nevis – The Nevis COVID-19 Compliance team, got into full action, on Tuesday, April 28, 2020.
The team concentrated on certain businesses in the Charlestown area and conducted relevant inspections and gave corrective advice. From all reports, those persons contacted were very receptive and cooperative.
The team will continue its operations on Thursday, April 30 and Friday, May 1. Thereafter, the team will mainly operate during partial lockdown days but may, if necessary, conduct operations on lockdown days as well.
Apart from the businesses inspected, the team dealt with certain situations that were observed. One such situation, involved persons buying fish, in a congested area, without masks and not observing social distancing protocols. Those persons were educated and advised to desist from such behaviour.
Another incident involved persons congregating at one of the Waterfront Gazebos, within a small space and without masks. Those persons were also educated and advised to desist from such behaviour.
For the remainder of this week and next week, the team will spend time in the inspection of businesses and general education. The following week, the team will commence full enforcement of the Covid-19 regulations.
The general public is advised that penalties for breaches of the regulations can be very severe and can involve fines of up to $5,000.00, or a term of imprisonment, not exceeding 6 months or both.
The team comprises of the following persons:
Ms. Risa Paul – Environmental Services (Team leader)
Mr. Ishan Todman – Labour Department
Mr. Garfield Hodge-St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services
Mr. Kevin Davis-The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force
Mr. Avery Bussue-Trade and Consumer Affairs
Mr. Coryn Maynard-Customs and Excise
Mr. Curtis Morton Sr-Transportation
Included in the duties of the members of the team are the following:
1. Conduct training sessions with employers and employees on the workplace policy guidelines
2. Perform initial assessment of the business premises to ensure that the COVID-19 Health Safety Measures are implemented
3. Carry out routine inspections at the premises of businesses
4. Record complaints reported
5. Enforce compliance guidance
6. Monitor and evaluate the business on a weekly basis
7. Utilize a complete checklist based on the requirements/health safety measures
8. Report procedures
9. Perform analysis
10. Adhere to the Privacy and Data Protection Regulations
11. Check to ensure that the buses/transport vehicles and vessels are complying with the health and safety measures