Blu Restaurant: “We Apologize To The Public”

July 6, 2020

[Updated] “We apologize to the public,” a spokesperson from Blu restaurant said, adding that they “fully intend to adhere to all protocols as laid out by the Government and will be closing Blu for 2 days to conduct rigorous training for all staff.”

This statement follows after videos were circulated showing people, not wearing masks, dancing to music in close proximity to each other at the establishment. A number of people have commented on the videos on social media, noting that two Cabinet Ministers, Minister of National Security Wayne Caines and Minister of Tourism and Transport Zane DeSilva, appear to be among those seen in at least one video.

A spokesperson told Bernews, “On Friday, July 3rd a fundraising dinner was hosted at Blu restaurant. Guests arrived wearing masks, sanitized their hands and were temperature checked by security at the entrance.

“The sit-down dinner proceeded without any incident during the 2 hour period, however at the end of the evening a surprise saxophonist played as some guests were leaving and, in the excitement, social distancing was not maintained.

“We realize that with summer now upon us that it is getting hotter and masks are being removed when they are not supposed to, however we understand that this is still not acceptable behaviour at this time.

“We fully intend to adhere to all protocols as laid out by the Government and will be closing Blu for 2 days to conduct rigorous training for all staff. We will ensure all protocols are fully understood when a situation arises where social distancing is not being followed and how this should be handled.

“Bermuda has worked very hard to maintain its current COVID-19 status and we intend to do our part to ensure it stays this way. We apologize to the public and our valued guests as we work to navigate the changes and developments that each evolving phase brings.”

Update 11.01pm: Premier David Burt advised that Zane DeSilva and Wayne Caines “have accepted his invitation to resign from the Cabinet.” Read the full statement here.

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Comments (27)

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  1. Now Ya Nice says:

    Hmmmmm. The silence is deafening. Do as we say, not as we do syndrome.

  2. Ringmaster says:

    Wow, this must mean work permits are not a problem, have as many as you like.
    It still doesn’t mean that the 2 Ministers did not breach the requirements relating to indoor dining. Clearly they did. What a cover up.

  3. Paul says:

    That is one restaurant that is on my black list. shame on the two ministers,everybody is saying they should be fired…”they don’t care about us.

  4. Lmao says:

    Everyone should boycott them! Silence is deafening…make then feel it where it really hurts for allowing this!

    • Red rose says:

      So you are trying to excuse the behaviour of the 2 ministers?

  5. Ringmaster says:

    Restaurants are totally dependent on local trade. Show we do not support a cover up. Boycott MEF. Boycott MEF.

  6. bdaguy says:

    i bet they will get all there workpermit with no trouble they will not have any turndown

  7. Ringmaster says:

    I go back to this all the time because it is such an insult to all in Bermuda who have spent 3 months doing what the Government has asked. 2 Ministers who know the rules ignore them, but the restaurant takes responsibility? Shut for 2 days to train staff to make sure diners wear a mask until seated or when not seated? 2 days? Ministers have proven their stupidity but are the staff also that stupid it takes 2 days to understand?
    This was a birthday party that was given permission to go ahead as a charity event. Clear violation. Outdoor boat raft ups were refused by the same Minister who ignored masks and social distancing indoors. Can’t make this stuff up.

    • Jane says:

      We all make mistakes, but as a Politician they need to set an example. Blu should not have to close for 2 days because of the stupidity of the Politicians and those attending.

  8. Bermudian says:

    THIS is why I have a problem with this Government. The same rules dont seem to apply to them. And ppl wonder why the youth have no regard to rules or authority?? Our leaders show little regard for it themselves.

  9. Barbara says:

    It is not BLU who should apologize ! It is Wayne Gaines and Zane deSilva! How dare they think they are above the rules set out by their PLP Government. Shame on them for their poor example and their arrogance to the people of Bermuda ! They should be held accountable !

  10. Hair says:

    Hummm, It’s a bit too late damage has been done! SMH

  11. Me says:

    Why would they close for two days we all had the same instructions for phase four already the blatantly failed and should be fined and closed down I won’t be going there again or my friends or family dollar signs makes folks stupid

    • Steve says:

      You forget – the party was over and everyone was leaving however two VIPs were caught not wearing their masks and social-distancing. Obviously a “Do as I say, not do as I do” situation.

      • Kim Smith says:

        Have you seen any of the clips of that party?

      • trufth says:

        Dude, you clearly have not seen any of the videos. They say pictures say a thousand words? Well videos say even more! You should watch one or six.

  12. ROBERT STEWART says:

    For quite some time now laws and regulations have not applied to government ministers and MPs.

    Clearly, they regard ordinary Bermudians as deplorables, and fit only for bossing around by their political masters. Those who make the laws and regulations do not have to conform to them.

    Not a bad deal especially when you use a charitable event to double as a birthday party for your spouse.

  13. Maskuerade says:

    I’ve eaten at Blu since the lifting of restrictions and all the staff were doing a great job in adhering to the rules, all apart from a manager who didn’t have a mask at all and proceeded to go table to table greeting his chums with hugs and the odd kiss, some people think they are above others. Privileged arrogance at its best.

    it’s a shame the hard working staff will suffer due to the inactions and lack of standards by management and others.

  14. Smh! says:

    Minister Caines sat at those press conferences and over and over talked about violators would be punished. Well you Sir, need to be punished. You are a sad example for our youth. Minister DeSilva, you were involved in setting up the safety measures at the airport for our visitors and returning residents but I guess you only want to set rules and not abide by them.

    This is disgraceful. These men by their actions have just told the entire country including our youth, you can disregard rules and that elected officials are above the law!!!! Premier Burt, please make sure they are held accountable, for all to see.

    They are not exempt from rules or punishment.

  15. saud says:

    ” Privileged arrogance at its best.”

    Throw in homophobic and xenophobic…and you have the plp.

  16. Donderered says:

    So blu apologises but not one word from the ministers or burt … speaks volumes people

  17. PANGAEA says:

    DUE PROCESS .
    Making a public spectical of two Mp’s is not what i call good Governance.
    What has happended to due process ?
    Their human rights have been chalenged and damaged !
    No body can force another with out with out adhearing to proceedure !
    This Covid 19 has put a strain on every one.
    People, just lighten up !
    We are told Bermudians are resiliant .
    I now ask, resiliant to what ?

  18. saud says:

    “Their human rights have been chalenged and damaged !”

    Now they know what it’s like to be a gay Bermudian.

  19. Y-Gurl says:

    Clearly it’s all about the $ and the different rules for different groups

  20. M. Simons says:

    Okay… Resignations tho!!?? (While there were notably NO ACTIVE CASES on island.) Yeah, enforcement of the penalty for such offence; perhaps even an increased penalty! Resignation request has surely got to be a violation of some sort!! What penalty did the person or persons in charge of the venue incur? What penalty did ANY of the other guests that also were in violation incur?? ALL violators shldv been penalized!! NOT just targeted persons!! #ijs