Social media users are accusing the authorities of double standards following the staging of Mocha Fest, an event that was being advertised on the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) website.
When Music News contacted the (JTB) on Friday, we were transferred to several extensions before being told that the Director was the only person who can speak to the issue. When we requested to speak with the director, we were told “he’s busy.”
However, the Jamaica Tourist Board has since released a statement claiming they are disturbed that their logo was included in the promotion of these events. The JTB further states that it has given no undertaking for sponsorship or endorsement of such activities since the start of the pandemic.
So why was the event listed on the Jamaica Tourist Board website?
According to the JTB, it was an oversight. “The dates for these events are typically set years in advance and listed on the site to facilitate pre-planning for visitors and travel agents that sell the destination.” The statement further reads, in part, “We regret the oversight that the events section has remained on our website during the pandemic, and we have made a decision to disable this section on the site until further notice.”
Meanwhile, Music News understands that the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDco) has commenced investigation into the matter with the assistance of local authorities.
All this comes after a video emerged showing partygoers frolicking at the popular Rick’s Cafe in Negril on Thursday.
The operators of Rick’s Cafe, in a statement issued Friday, has since apologized for allowing it to happen and admitted to breaching the COVID-19 protocols.
TPDco announced Friday that it has withdrawn Rick’s Cafe’s COVID-19 compliance certification with immediate effect.
This means, that Rick’s Cafe will be required to undergo a re-certification exercise to ensure strict adherence to the established COVID-19 Health and Safety protocols before it can be allowed to accept visitors again.
Meanwhile, some social media users have expressed shock at the blatant disregard for the safety protocols under the COVID-19 guidelines, while others question why tourists can frolic irresponsibly and Jamaicans can’t.
Keep it locked to Music News for more on this developing story.