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THE ST. JAMES PARISH COUNCIL TO ESTABLISH ENTERTAINMENT ZONES IN MONTEGO BAY!

September 30th, 2016 | Add a Comment

BY ACEION CUNNINGHAM—

Councillor Suzette Brown

MONTEGO BAY, St James: The St James Parish Council has mandated its Civic and Community Affairs Committee to establish and structure a plan to demarcate entertainment zones and spots in the resort city of Montego Bay.

The committee met recently and a sub-committee comprising stakeholder-representatives from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Fire Brigade, Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) and Jamaica Federation of Musicians (JFM) was initiated. The sub-committee has also been mandated to co-opt large and small event promoters to be part of the deliberations.

“The need for a comprehensive plan and structure to guide the execution of events, especially parties in Montego Bay, is important, in light of the growth in not only the entertainment sector in Montego Bay, but the other sectors as well, such as tourism,” explained Suzette Brown, chairman, Civic and Community Affairs Committee, St James Parish Council.

“With clear definitions on operational procedures, promoters can function unencumbered within the remit of the new guidelines to be laid out regarding the entertainment zones and spots. The committee will determine the specifics, especially as it relates to the areas, spots, and times,” Brown further explained.

She added that the regulations will be guided by the Parish Council Act, Town and Country Planning Act and the Local Improvement Act.

“We are cognisant of the economic impact that this sector has on Montego Bay, it brings revenue to the hairdressers, clothing stores, nail technicians and so many others. In order to protect it, we must bring about equity within the sector. If we have established guidelines, then we are protecting the small promoters, who invest heavily in staging events and at times incur losses based on the restrictions placed on them as opposed to promoters of major events,” Brown argued.

Mayor of Montego Bay Glendon Harris also spoke to the protection of the entertainment sector in Montego Bay and the need to have established guidelines.

“Montego Bay is the entertainment capital of Jamaica and we have to encourage that, it is a part of our city, so we have to ensure that the process is smooth. We are in dialogue with the police, venue owners and other related agencies. Once we have signed off on the acceptable places conducive for night events we will proceed to establish the zones,” Harris stated.