As an order for the closure of Devon House in St. Andrew takes effect today, there's uncertainty regarding when it will reopen as the Ministry of Local Government investigates a breach of the Disaster Risk Management Order.
Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie has ordered the closure of the property, effective today.
Mr. McKenzie said on Sunday that it had been discovered that Reggae Mill, a tenant at the Devon House complex, has been hosting weekend parties with hundreds of patrons who were not practicing social distancing.
In addition, he said the establishment was operating during the nightly curfew.
Although Reggae Mill has been cited for violating the disaster risk management order, Mr. McKenzie said the closure of the entire property was necessary because the management of Devon House was complicit in allowing the event to take place.
He said the closure will remain in effect until the management of Devon House can give an assurance that it will adhere to protocols outlined in the Disaster Risk Management Order to help contain the spread of the COVID-19.
Mayor of Kingston Delroy Williams told Radio Jamaica News that he has also received reports of other events being held in the Corporate Area in breach of the Disaster Risk Management Order.
He said the police have been informed.