It was made clear by Governor Lolo Moliga at yesterday’s cabinet meeting that bingo is not allowed at this time.
And he has asked the Secretary of Samoan Affairs and District Governors to personally visit and inform church leaders about the bingo ban.
Chief of Staff Fiu Johnny Saelua was giving out reminders at the end of the cabinet meeting and mentioned that there was a bingo at Pavaiai on Saturday.
He brought this to the attention of the Commissioner of Public Safety Lei Sonny Thompson, and said that bingo is not permitted.
The commissioner pointed out that in the current emergency declaration there is no limit on numbers who can attend public gatherings.
Governor Lolo stated that even if there’s no rule, fundraising using bingo should not be held at this time while the territory is facing a pandemic.
He said they’ve permitted public gathering for family events and village activities but not bingo which he described as “taking money out of the hands of people.”
The ban on bingo was included in earlier emergency declarations for COVID-19 however in the 7th amended declaration which is now in effect, it is not included.
The provision for public gatherings states:All public gatherings, including religious worship are open from 5am to 9pm. The public is requested and encouraged to continue to practice social distancing including the use of masks when engaging in these public activities. The public is advised that failure to obey this restriction will be prosecuted as a Class A misdemeanor…The Department OF Public Safety is charged with the full enforcement of all the restrictive provisions of this declaration.”
According to Governor Lolo bingo games should not be permitted at this time when the territory is facing the coronavirus pandemic.
He said permits are required for all bingo games and told the Director of Commerce that if permits are being issued at this time, this should be stopped.
He asked that the District Governors visit and inform church leaders about the bingo ban, and he mentioned by name the Catholic Church.
