BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – SUPERINTENDENT Cromwell Henry is reminding citizens and residents of the Federation that the Police Force would soon begin issuing tickets to those persons who fail to comply with the wearing of face masks in public and in public places.
During his appearance at the NEOC media brief on Wednesday (Nov. 4), Henry acknowledged that the SRO does make provisions for the issuance of tickets but, to date, none has been printed as yet.
“There were some challenges at the printery in terms of printing, [and] that is being worked upon. And as so as soon as the tickets are ready, we will issue,” Henry noted.
Just one week earlier when responding to a question from SKNVibes, the Superintendent reported that the tickets were yet to be printed, adding that the Police Force was not looking to issue tickets to residents but would want them to follow the national mandate of wearing masks in public.
“Now we are not looking forward to doing that and we expect persons to wear their masks so we do not have to issue anybody with tickets, because issuing tickets would mean people are not wearing their masks,” he added.
By not following the mandate, the Superintendent reminded that those flouting the regulations are putting themselves and those in contact with them at risk of contracting the virus.
“So, we prefer not to issue a ticket, but wear your mask when you are in public,” Henry pleaded.
The tickets form part of a $500 fine for anyone who breach the regulations implemented to protect against the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Those failing to follow the mandate and are issued with tickets have 10 days in which to pay or face the courts, with the possibility of being fined $5,000.
Last week, Henry informed that the Police Force was recently in discussions about refining the fee for the ticket.
