Government Endorses Safe, Regulated Entertainment Activities for Christmas in Hurricane-Affected Areas
Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has reiterated the Government of Jamaica’s support for safe entertainment and recreational activities in communities affected by Hurricane Melissa, noting that such activities play an important role in helping citizens cope during the recovery period, particularly throughout the Christmas season.
Prime Minister Holness made the comments during an engagement in Black River, St. Elizabeth, where he received an update on security and recovery efforts from Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Minto of the St. Elizabeth Police Division.
SSP Minto reported that residents and promoters have been enquiring about permits for entertainment activities and underscored the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) commitment to facilitating these events once all safety and security requirements are met.
“A number of the citizens have been locked away in the darkness, and queries are coming to me regarding permits. I want to make it clear to Jamaica, to St. Elizabeth and to the promoters that we are supporting entertainment activities. We want you to apply. We will help you go through the necessary process,” SSP Minto said.
The SSP noted that several promoters have indicated the availability of alternate energy solutions, allowing events to proceed safely despite ongoing challenges.
Furthermore, SSP Minto indicated that the JCF has already hosted community-based activities, including children’s treats in the parish, and encouraged promoters to continue to engage the approval process. The SPP said that events held during the day or night will be supported once alternate energy, security, and other requirements are satisfied.
Prime Minister Holness also endorsed the position, stating that it is the policy of the Government to promote activities that assist citizens in managing the social and emotional challenges brought on by the disaster.
“The policy of the government is to support and promote the activities that will help people to cope with the challenges that they currently have. Entertainment and recreation are activities that can help,” the Prime Minister said, while emphasizing that such events must be conducted responsibly.
The Prime Minister cautioned promoters to be mindful of constraints related to policing capacity, electricity supply, public transportation, and road safety, and urged them to prioritize the safety of patrons.
At the same time, Dr. Holness also highlighted the need for adequate security measures, including proper lighting, surveillance cameras, and trained personnel.
“We support the return of entertainment and recreation butremember there are limitations… so we ask promoters to put on their events bearing these things in mind and to ensure the safety of their patrons,” the Prime Minister said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Holness noted that the country is on track to record a murder rate below 700 for the first time in decades and emphasized the importance of preventing any spike in violent crime, especially during the festive season.
“We want to ensure that you don’t see a spike during this period. In fact, every Jamaican should be committed to ensuring that there are no murders during the Christmas season,” he said.
The Government of Jamaica, through continued collaboration between the JCF and entertainment and community stakeholders, remains committed to facilitating safe, well-regulated entertainment and recreational activities that support national recovery while safeguarding lives and property during the Christmas season.