Emancipation Holiday Had a Buzz of Entertainment

Ministry of Local Government & Community Development Desmond Mckenzie

Emancipation holiday had a buzz of entertainment, however, the ban on entertainment activity was implemented in March as part of measures to contain and reduce the spread of COVID-19; With restrictions now relaxed, the Emancipation holiday saw Jamaicans flocking to events right across the country.

A two-week conditional re-opening of the entertainment sector in July. That period has now come to an end.

Minister of Local Government Desmond Mckenzie warns that the situation can’t continue as it is, he says ‘I have asked the leadership of the entertainment industry to meet with me on Wednesday because the government cannot and will not sit down and allow what is taking place to continue.’

He highlighted that the results of the surveys highlighted over 700 staged events without any permission being sought. In other instances where approvals for events were given, the agreed conditions were blatantly breached. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is being stretched in responding to these breaches, and it is completely unfair to our policemen and women who are simultaneously dealing with everything from traffic violations to violent crime,” McKenzie said in a statement

He added that “Actions have consequences, and I want to make it clear that we are determined to use the policy and legal tools available to ensure behaviour change in this time of public health emergency”.

The emancipation holiday weekend had a buzz of entertainment activities right across the length and breadth of the island.

One such event “park up and tun up” held by the dream weekend team saw patrons attending a tailgate party.

Held at the national stadium, party goers drove up in their vehicles which could only have a maximum of four people, were assigned a space, required to prepare their own food and coolers, while DJs provided entertainment.

According to the team’s Managing Director Scott Dunn, this method of partying is not new to Jamaica; however, it is more convenient under the COVID-19 restrictions.