Authorities in Bermuda have filed charges against two people for alleged breaches of COVID-19 restrictions for a boat raft-up show featuring Jamaican reggae star Shaggy.
Director of Public Prosecutions Cindy Clarke said the prosecution was approved against Matthew Strong and Selange Gitschner, and the two counts are both related to alleged offenses on June 8, 2021.
But she said no charges would be filed against 53-year-old Shaggy — given name Orville Burrell — who put on a live performance during the raft-up. Raft-ups were banned at the time in Bermuda.
Clarke said it would be alleged that the defendants “aided, counseled and procured Orville Burrell” to contravene one of the COVID-19 rules “in that he, having traveled to Bermuda on June 8, 2021, did not quarantine until he received his negative COVID-19 result”.
Persons entering Bermuda are required to have a PCR test at the border and are required to remain in their place of residence until they receive their results. However, it was reported that Shaggy attended the event before receiving his airport test result.
The second count will allege that they “failed to take all reasonable steps … to maintain appropriate physical distancing by not wearing a mask when one is required” as required by COVID-19 regulations.
The raft-up involved dozens of social media influencers brought to the island by US fashion brand Revolve. The event was staged under the auspices, permission, and knowledge of the Bermuda Tourism Authority and other relevant government departments and aimed to promote and market Bermuda.
The event’s staging triggered a political firestorm, and Premier David Burt had to step forward to strongly deny claims that the government authorized the event. At the time, David Burt said, “all raft-ups were illegal, and it was therefore impossible for the event to be approved.”
A police investigation was launched into the event, which led to both promoters being charged for COVID-19 breaches.
Clarke said the case is expected to come before Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
