Disembarked cargo vessel crew now quarantined
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - A resident of St. Kitts and Nevis has been placed in quarantine and could possibly face a stiff fine or jail time for breaching the COVID-19 Regulations and transporting two individuals, from a ship, around Basseterre.
Reports surfaced that two members from a cargo vessel illegally disembarked that ship and travelled around Basseterre to pick up supplies.
Confirmation of the departure from the vessel without the individuals being screened, came from Superintendent Cromwell Henry last evening (Dec. 9) at the NEOC media brief, where he explained that the ship docked and the crew members were transported by a driver of the vessel's agent to a nearby supermarket.
According to Henry, on Monday (Dec. 7), a cargo vessel was docked at the Deep Water Port and, as a public health measure, all crew members from vessels entering the island are to remain onboard and have no physical contact with persons on the dock.
However, that was not the case in this instance, as he disclosed that shortly after 7:00 p.m. the crew members were “intercepted” returning to the ship after their shopping spree.
“The authorities were informed and an investigation commenced. It was revealed that the men went shopping in a nearby supermarket,” he added.
That disclosure raises red flags about security at the Deep Water Port and why officials were not notified of the intended disembarkation.
But as concerns grew surrounding the exposure of the public to the personnel from the vessel, the Superintendent did not provide the name of the supermarket that was visited and if a contract tracing measure would be implemented.
“The driver is in quarantine for 14 days and the two crew members were detained and taken to the JNF Hospital for testing,” Henry noted.
The Superintendent reminded that this incident highlights that there are instances where COVID-19 cases could slip through the crack.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
