“Somebody is going to pay, and I don't care who it is. No amount that they pay can undo the damage that they have done — and this is not going to go lightly”
Collin Virgo, Trade unionist
(CMR) Collin Virgo is threatening to sue The Jamaica Gleaner newspaper for defamation after they reported that he was captured on video at a party on a no-movement day – which would be a criminal offense in Jamaica under COVID-19 regulations. The birthday party led to several high-profile resignations including that of Agriculture Minister Floyd Green from his cabinet seat.
Virgo is the Assistant General Secretary of the Industrial Trade Union and has previously run for politics in Jamaica. The video footage drew immense social media and community outrage as it highlighted several prominent figures flaunting the COVID-19 protocols.
For his part, Virgo vehemently denies he was in attendance and is not willing to accept an apology that The Gleaner placed in their print newspaper.
Virgo shared with The Jamaican Observer that he was not in the area at the time and did not attend any parties as alleged. Virgo asserts that the story was damaging to him and subjected him to “abuse and condemnation” in the court of public opinion.
The party was said to be quite the event with partygoers enjoying bottles of Moët Champagne, twerking and refreshments. The video showed attendees shouting “no-movement day” while not wearing any masks. The breach has led several prominent political figures and their supporters to resign over the controversy.
According to Jamaica media, others in attendance at the Corporate Area hotel party included Jamaica Labour Party (JLB) councillor, Andrew Bellamy. Bellamy is a councillor for the Mona Division in the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation. He has since resigned from that post as well as other committees.
Gabrielle Hylton, advisor to Floyd Green also resigned from three public boards. Apparently, the party was held in her honor.
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid