Night life is officially back and so too are entertainment events. After almost two years of closure, the prime minister has given the green light to the entertainment sector. Many say it’s a long overdue announcement, as the sector has been suffering. The only condition is that events will be held with a 70 -per cent capacity. Within minutes of the announcement of the reopening of the entertainment sector, scores of promoters took to social media platforms posting their events and patrons eagerly waiting to attend, legally.
While welcoming the good news, Marketing Director of Soca Forever, Marlon Campbell points out that the sector was almost suffering a slow death after nearly 2 years of closure. Following the announcement, Prime Minister Andrew Holness spoke of a special $150-million dollar support package to entertainment practitioners. But Campbell says there’s not much hope that such assistance will be given. Also mentioned is a fifty per cent waiver on permit fees for the next six months, Campbell believes the fees should’ve been waived completely for the next year and rates on government controlled venues should also be reduced.
Additionally, he is of the view that entertainment practitioners have wasted a golden opportunity to create an association to speak on-behalf of the industry. Campbell is urging promoters to take away the positives from the pandemic and reset.
