Holness says Government ‘not against’ party promoters

Amid growing concerns over entertainment event safety locally, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has categorically denied claims that his Government is against local party promoters.

The controversy surrounds the recent surge in major shooting incidents occurring at or near festive events, sparking fears that such events may be widely curtailed for some time.

In recognising that stopping such activities cannot be the only response, Holness announced that the Government is exploring new approaches to ensure safety and security at local entertainment events.

He made the disclosure at Wednesday's post-Cabinet press briefing.

Some of the recent mass shooting incidents have occurred at, or after entertainment activities locally, which have often resulted in the non-issuance of permits for future events by the police until the crime situation is brought under control in the respective areas.

"I think there has to be a kind of different approach (to the response when shootings occur at such events).

"So from a policy perspective, we're examining that, and you will hear more about how we will give some directions, particularly coming up to the festive season, to keep these events safe," said Holness.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness (file photo)

He acknowledged concerns from entertainment stakeholders ahead of the Christmas season, noting that round-robins and parties are legitimate economic activities that the Government supports.

"I have seen the pleadings and the complaints of persons in the entertainment industry. I understand that round-robins and parties are legitimate economic activities, and the Government supports legitimate economic activities," he stated.

However, he emphasised that it is  "equally of concern" when the authorities "note that many of these mass shootings, as they are called, are occurring in proximity (to) or at festive events; bars, parties and so forth."

On that score, Holness said the security forces must work with stakeholders to establish security protocols and other measures.

"We want people to enjoy themselves, and these parties can be a good way of bringing communities together, so I don't want our promoters to feel somehow (that) the Government is against (them); that's not true," declared Holness.

The prime minister suggested that party promoters utilise surveillance cameras to enhance safety at their events.

"We want the events to be held. They're legitimate activities, they bring income to communities in which they are held, but we also want the safety of the people who attend these events," Holness stated.