(Trinidad Guardian) Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi has apologised and admitted that he should have worn a mask to protect himself and others against COVID-19 when he appeared on Vibes With Voicey last Thursday. However, the AG stressed yesterday that he did not break the law by appearing without one while on the show.
“Even though no law was broken, I should have acted better and unreservedly apologise,” Al-Rawi said in a post to his social media page yesterday.
In the post, Al-Rawi acknowledged the comments that have been made in the wake of his attendance at the event, which he stressed “was held in a private residence with less than 10 persons present in the room.”
Al-Rawi appeared on the show, which is hosted by soca artiste Voice and radio personality Jared Penny, alongside North East Division Superintendent Roger Alexander, media personality Ancil ‘Blaze’ Isaac and celebrity bodyguard Kevin “Johnny Bravo” Da Costa.
He said his participation was meant to “bring some relief through charity and light-heartedness in “this time of COVID-19 fatigue,” but he said he erred in not wearing a mask at the event.
“Even though participants took temperatures and sanitised, upon reflection it would certainly have been more prudent to wear masks in certain of the settings. It would’ve helped encourage the audience tuned in to keep the fight against COVID-19 alive, whilst having a laugh viewing people like me shed the suit and tie and serious talk for a bit of humour,” said the Attorney General.
During his press conference at the Diplomatic Centre on Saturday, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said it was “disappointing” not to see the Attorney General wearing a mask during the event.
Yesterday, the AG agreed with the Prime Minister’s stance on the matter.
“I fully support the Honourable PM’s reflections on this issue and especially his expressed view that each of us have a part to play in fighting COVID-19. Quite simply and in all circumstances, I am renewed in giving my personal redoubled commitment to do better by being seen to adopt best practices,” he said.
However, Al-Rawi said that there were blurred lines with regard to mask-wearing in private settings.
“Sometimes the lines on mask-wearing get blurred in private settings, at home functions, at home weddings, at restaurants and even in playing in a small football side for health and physical care,” he said.
“Hairs can be split and justifications can be given as to things being taken out of context and of being fed up of being hounded. This is not an occasion for any of that.”
Al-Rawi closed by heaping praise on the hosts of the charity game show, which recorded its highest viewership.
“I am very happy to have supported and to continue to support the excellent entrepreneurial and philanthropic work of our young amazing stars Voice and Penny, who continue to find far-reaching relevance to a very real and vibezy T&T,” said Al-Rawi.
