Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Randall Mitchell has instructed the management of performance spaces under his purview that moving forward, patrons must not be allowed to leave their seats “unnecessarily” during shows. 

The instruction came as the Minister expressed concern after videos of attendees at Sunday’s Sekon Sunday event could be seen standing at their seats and dancing along to the performances on stage. 

Concerns were raised following the release of video from a live streamed event, Sekon Sunday at Queen’s Hall on Sunday 10 January 2021.

“A Ministerial directive was given that going forward additional measures will be put in place to ensure patrons remain seated during performances. Additionally, patrons will be not allowed to congregate in the front of the stage, in aisles, or unnecessarily move around during performances.  Announcements and reminders will be made throughout the event as needed. Some spaces will further revise their seating arrangements to ensure the appropriate physical distancing,” a statement from the Ministry read on Wednesday.

Queen’s Park has maintained that all protocols were followed at Sunday’s concert hosted by entertainer Sekon Sta.

Minister Mitchell said, “No one can deny the passion and love that we have for our culture. We all really find it difficult not move when the Soca music captures you. The reality is, however, that the virus thrives in an environment where physical distance and other health measures are not observed and we can’t let COVID-19 win.”

 Minister Mitchell also met on Wednesday with  Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith to discuss the issue of adherence to the Public Health Regulations at the national performance spaces and the outcome of his enquiries made into the Sekon Sunday event.

“The Commissioner indicated his satisfaction with the COVID-19 Health Protocols in place at the Queen’s Hall and with the undertaking given by management to put additional measures in place to ensure physical distancing,” the Ministry said. 

A police investigation into the incident is said to be underway at this time. 

Minister Mitchell reiterated that the preservation of lives by reducing the spread of COVID 19 remains the Ministry’s first priority.

“We need our patrons to support these spaces by remaining disciplined and abiding by the health guidelines. The protocols are in place to protect all of us,” he said.