President Irfaan Ali left the Everest Cricket Club today moments after he arrived, disappointed with the organisers and spectators for not following national COVID-19 protocols.
The President, who had agreed to be the patron of the T20 softball competition, had done so with the assurance that all systems would be in place to adhere to strict COVID-19 protocols on and off-field, a release from the Office of the President said.
“Today, he travelled to the venue to witness the final. Minutes after arriving, the President chided the organisers of the event and representatives from the club for allowing a large number of people at the venue and for not ensuring that they wear their marks and keep their distance”, the release said.
He then made a passionate plea to spectators to follow the required guidelines.
“I am very disappointed in the way in which we are handling our responsibilities for each other. We all know how difficult it is during this pandemic. When I look around here, I must say that I am disappointed with the organisers for allowing the situation where you are exposing each other to this dangerous pandemic. As your President, I love you and I care about you. I cannot be in an environment like this and see you expose yourself in this manner and allow you to do it”, he said.
The Head of State also told the organisers that they have a responsibility to follow the rules that are in place or to face the consequences.
“I am going to say to the organisers you have a responsibility, and if you can’t take the responsibility seriously, then we have serious problems. We can’t build a country on irresponsibility. We have to build a country on respect, love and responsibility for each other”, he said
Before departing the venue, the President asked the spectators to think about their communities, their families and themselves during these times.
“Please correct the situation by wearing a mask and following the COVID-19 guidelines”, he implored.
The COVID pandemic has claimed 200 lives in just around a year.
