Following Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ decision to impose more stringent COVID-19 measures, some members of the entertainment industry have announced measures of their own to assist Jamaicans, while other entertainment practitioners have come up with what they believe to be solutions, and some have highlighted the flaws in the PM’s plan.
Dancehall entertainers Bounty Killer, Buju Banton, and Tanya Stephens along with Romeich Major, CEO of Romeich Entertainment, are among the many Jamaicans using social media to express their thoughts.
Romeich used the online platform to announce his plans to help at least 50 families in need with groceries this week.
On Instagram, Romeich wrote, “I wanna help at least 50 families this week to even have some groceries in their home. All my top people and popular people and people out there looking in, I know its tuff on all of us.” He continued, “but am willing to accept some help to use my platform or us to come together and help my people of Jamaica that are in need.” Romeich ended by stating, “Let’s show them we can work together to do great for people in need. Let’s do this.”
Meanwhile, Tanya Stephens has drawn attention to what she considers to be a flaw in the Prime Minister’s 5 am to noon shopping plans for the country. According to Tanya, with supermarkets being opened at 9/10 am, four hours of crowding cannot be the solution to COVID. Many well-thinking Jamaicans have since liked or commented on the post.
The Gargamel, Buju Banton is urging the people to pray, and to also take back their power.
As for Bounty Killer, the Dancehall heavyweight has outlined a full strategy. Renowned as “The Poor People Governor, Bounty Killer is lobbying for the ports to be closed in order to fully tackle the problem. According to the Dancehall deejay, the curfew is not helping or curbing the spike in COVID cases.
Under the new measures, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has stated that from Tuesday, March 23 to Friday, March 26, the nightly curfew will remain from 8 pm to 5 am. On Friday, businesses will close at 12 noon. On Saturday, the curfew will begin at 12 noon and will end on Monday at 5 am. The curfew will be in effect for the entirety of Sunday, March 28.
The three weekends of lockdown comes before Easter, during Easter, and the weekend after Easter.
Many Jamaicans have used their social media platforms to express their displeasure using memes, videos, and comments.