As investigations into the controversial Mocha Fest party series staged in Negril last week continue, the proprietors of Rick’s Cafe, the popular attraction at the center of the saga, have asked for more time to prepare for a meeting with the Ministry of Local Government.

The request from Rick’s Cafe has led to the postponement of a meeting that was scheduled for today, Monday, May 31.

Rick’s Cafe had their COVID-19 compliance certification withdrawn with immediate effect on Friday after several videos surfaced on social media highlighting blatant breaches of COVID-19 protocols at Mocha Fest, an event which the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has since distanced itself from.

Rick’s Cafe, who admitted to the breaches and issued an apology on Friday, 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, MochaFest which was scheduled to end today, Monday, May 31, announced an adjustment in their schedule over the weekend, with organizers citing local protests and media backlash as a reason for the cancellation of some events.