Ban on amplified music to be lifted soon – PM

Bars, restaurants and event promoters will be able to play amplified music for patrons sometime soon, once officials agree on the lifting of the ban which was implemented three months ago.

A ban was placed on the playing of amplified music in public spaces or on private premises with public access on March 26 after St Vincent and the Grenadines recorded its first case of COVID-19. This was done to discourage large gatherings and advance social distancing guidelines.

But Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said on radio yesterday, June 29 that discussions were taking place for the ban on amplified music to be lifted as soon as this weekend.

“I spoke with the chief medical officer [Dr Simone Keizer-Beache] this morning, she’s going to speak further with Dr [Roger] Duncan, the medical officer of health and then they will send me something. Then we will do a final sign off as to how we’re approaching this matter so shortly. Hopefully before the weekend,” he said.

Gonsalves also said that he has had discussions with Commissioner of Police, Colin John in relation to lifting the ban.

The prime minister said this was just part of the process of relaxing some of the levers that were pulled earlier in relation to containing the pandemic.

“I want the men to make a dollar and I want the people to free up a little bit more…” he said.

To date, 29 cases of COVID-19 cases have been recorded in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The Health Services Subcommittee reported last week that all cases have recovered.