In keeping with the new measures put in place by the government to combat COVID-19, Manager of Triple Kay International, Geoffrey Joseph, said the band has made adjustments to its schedule of events for the upcoming weekend.
The band had plans to host three major events during the independence celebrations as part of their ‘Lock De Gate Series’.
These include the Ole Skool for De Old School event to be held at the Harlem Plaza on October 30th from 10PM , White Punch Party on November 4th, from 2PM at the Atlantique View Resort in Anse De Mai and Douvan Jou event to be held on November 3rd (Independence Day) at Guiyave Orchid House in Mero from 4 AM.
However, in a live statement on Facebook on Wednesday night, Joseph said the band realized that some of the venues did not fit the requirements, making it impossible to host the three (3) events at the various venues as planned.
“We have engaged discussions with members of the government team and they have set up a list of guidelines to govern events,” he said. “We have to go through an application process and a lot of these guidelines have caused us to reconsider the entire layout of the Lock De Gate series.”
He continued, “The Douvan Jou is the only event that will be taking place for the Lock De Gate series this weekend; the Old School and All White Party will no longer take place…Everything that you wanted to get for the entire weekend, you are going to get everything in one at the Douvan Jou.”
Joseph explained further that the 3 events have now been compressed into one major event.
The band is advising those who purchased tickets for the other events that the tickets can be used at the Douvan Jou event.
“So if you have tickets for Friday night, bring your ticket with you and come up to have a good time,” Joseph advised. “If you have a ticket for Wednesday, for the All White Punch Party still come on the Tuesday morning at 4:00AM.”
He added, “We are going to party and have a good time but we also have to ensure that we do it in a spirit of safety.”
He said for those who purchased season tickets, these tickets will be redeemable.
“You will be able to use your tickets in the future; we are already putting plans in place for other upcoming events,” the Triple K official assured patrons.
Joseph encouraged the general public to practice the necessary guidelines and protocols put in place. Lead vocalist of Triple Kay International, Wayne “Benji” Benjamin has also added his voice to the collective appeal for adherence to all official guidelines and protocols and encouraged fans of the band to fall in line and join in the fight against the pandemic.
“We would not like to go under another lockdown. We would like you to adhere to all the guidelines and protocols set by the Ministry of Health,” he said. “If not, we certainly will have to go under a lockdown which I would not like.”
Benjamin warns that if individuals are not compliant, the authorities may have to end the event prematurely.
I cannot comprehend why on earth would anyone be hosting any event that would encourage large amounts of people to gather in one place in light of the rising covid cases. This event should have been cancelled. It is the only responsible thing management should do. The same people that might go to this event may have children in our schools . Why risk the lives of each other over some foolish dance and rum. Think people think! If you want to green up drink your rum at your home and put on your stereo too if you like. Better be safe than sorry.
How is compressing three events into one going to make it any safer? If anything, it makes it worse since there will be more people at that one event.
If it makes sense to cancel the other two events, it makes equal sense to cancel all three. One night of partying cannot be that important. As my grandmother always told me, there will be plenty of time for more of these events.
I was planning to come. But since the last few cases and the authorities, albeit lax action, I have decided to pull back from the potential super spreader event at Mero and let alone this year to the covid19. But I am concerned as I live in a small community – Dominica.
Wayne, How many people can the Mero venue hold? You will agree with me that your fan base is in the thousands. So to sell tickets to 250 patrons is a joke for the band. Is there enough space for the arrangement of 250 individuals by 36 sq.ft per person? What about the loud saliva loaded, spirit influenced chants of “I want to go in your sous” How are you going to determine who is able to enter the venue and who will be left to congregate on the road. Will the police be on hand to assist on the outside?
I do not see any of the events coming through. While there may be control on the inside the outside will be chaotic. Too many persons outside. Police will have no choice but to stop it.
This is asinine! In light of the rise in cases, the Ministry of Health should not allow this event to be staged. If you have pandemic spread mitigation protocols in place such as wearing a mask, social distancing and avoid gathering in huge crowds, the sensible thing to do is to cancel all large public gathering events.
Based on this statement by the band manager, “We would not like to go under another lockdown. We would like you to adhere to all the guidelines and protocols set by the Ministry of Health,” he said. “If not, we certainly will have to go under a lockdown which I would not like,” this event should be cancelled unless Dominicans are willing to risk loss of life for one night of sewo.
#WeAreAllInThisTogether. #StaySafeMyPeople.
#OneLoveDominicans. #OLD
I agree 100%. Mass gatherings will be too risky, protocols or not. Stay home people or risk your life and your parents, children and grandparents lives. Just an advice. The choice is yours.
While I agree, at least that venue is basically in the open air. There are other shows happening in closed clubs…even riskier. I do not get it.