COVID-19 update and press conference – February 4, 2021. (PMO)

Attorney General Dale Marshall has outlined the process for the issuing of emergency passes during the period of national pause.

Speaking during the COVID-19 update and press conference this evening, Mr. Marshall shared that requests for emergency passes must be justified.

“A lot of people assume that by going to www.gov.bb and entering the information in the field that the pass will show up, and that is very far from the case. In fact, what has been happening is, there are various filters, and of course, at the end of the day, the burden is on the Attorney General to make the final decision. Frequently, I am having to engage with people who have requested passes as recently as three or four minutes ago and I asked them to justify why you are asking for a pass? But we have made some changes to the system, and I am satisfied with how it is working,” the Attorney General underlined.

He explained that although persons applied through the online portal, passes for those involved in farming would be directed to the Minister of Agriculture. 

Requests from benevolent organisations would be diverted to Minister of Labour and Social Partnership Relations, Colin Jordan, who has responsibility for the third sector.  And, requests for passes by caregivers were being dealt with by officials in the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs.

Mr. Marshall reiterated that gardeners, residential domestic helpers and nannies were not permitted to work during this time. 

He also reminded that the use of communal pools was strictly prohibited based on a clear mandate from the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

julie.carrington@barbados.gov.bb

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