06/04/2020
I have been hesitant to write something for days. Because I have doubts and I am afraid to make a mistake. What repercussions could I face living away from home (while also not being able to go home) where my job security is based on being granted a work permit.
But today I am disappointed, upset and scared. If the leader of a country has more power than the law, then what is he being led by?
Wanting to provide a grocery delivery service to protect people from leaving their homes during this "Shelter period" and to keep some staff members employed and receiving so much negativity doesn't only hurt, it makes me sad.
Although I fear that the consequences of fighting the virus could be worse than the virus itself, I ultimately believe that the measures the Bermuda Government is taking, are correct.
I hope we can emerge stronger from this crisis and grow through courage and community spirit.
PRESS RELEASE
BUZZ ONLINE GROCERY STORE (“BUZZ”)
In response to a recent social media post by Bernews which published copies of Premier’s tweets indicating that Buzz would not be permitted to operate as a grocery store, Buzz wishes to clarify and confirm that on Friday, the 3rd April 2020, the Department of Health accepted and processed Buzz’s application to operate as grocery store in order to provide grocery delivery service. At 3.30 p.m. on Friday, 3 April 2020, Buzz received confirmation from the Department of Health confirming its application had been approved to operate as grocer in the following terms:-
This email is to confirm that the application for an online grocery has been processed and approved for the location at 19 Bakery Lane, Pembroke, and shall now be licensed as BUZZ Grocery.
Buzz’s intention was to operate a delivery food service including some cooked food and normal grocery items or curb-side pick-up in order to support the community in these difficult times and provide a safe and efficient service that would assist in keeping residents home and safe. Having reviewed the statutory requirements to operate as grocer, Buzz was confident it complied with the regulations and submitted its application and paid the requisite fee which was accepted by the Government. As indicated above, the application to operate for a license as grocer was approved by the Government.
Buzz was surprised and disappointed to then be subsequently informed by way of social media posts that it would not be permitted to open on Thursday. Last night Buzz received a further communication from the Department of Health that its license to operate as a grocer had now been denied despite the written confirmation on Friday that its application had been approved.
Buzz will of course comply with the new directive, but it wishes the public to be made aware of the fact the Government approved it to operate as a grocer and its intent was to support safety in the community by assisting in the delivery of food and help reduce the movement of persons within the island.
We realize this is a stressful time for all and we understand the strain the Government and all of Bermuda is presently under. We do believe the matter could have been handled in a more professional matter rather than being targeted online by social media posts by persons who did not have the full facts at the time.
Buzz wishes all its valuable customers and all of Bermuda to stay safe and looks forward to serving you in the future.
