“Are you going yo build an ICU in your house? I’m talking directly to that young lady  and those who worship on the altar of denial.”

This was the question asked by Health Minister, Terrence Deyalsingh at Monday’s media conference, as he weighed in on a now-viral video of a young woman at the beach, justifying the trip by claiming it was her family’s private beach.

The video, which went viral over the weekend, sparked public debate, with many describing it as another example of the upper-class thinking the rules do not apply to them. 

Social media users were also quick to correct the woman, who boasted that she was at her family’s private beach, informing her that in accordance with Trinidad and Tobago’s laws, all beaches and rivers are owned by the State and cannot be acquired by private citizens.

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has since announced that it is searching for the woman in connection with the breach of the COVID-19 regulations. 

Minister Deyalsingh said it is irresponsible behaviour like the one displayed in the video, that stymies efforts to get a handle on the virus. 

“Because when you get ill you are coming to my hospital…Whose health care workers are going to take care of you? You have oxygen in your house? You have a heart monitor in your house? Those young persons who worship on the altar of denial- and I promised myself I wouldn’t say it but I am going to say it now- and who worship on the altar of stupidity- that will crash the system.” he said.