While few thought Carnival in Jamaica would return to its usual April slot amid the pandemic surge,word has come officially that the event will not happen.

Jamaica’s Ministrt of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, made the disclosure on Tuesday.

Bartlett said, “After a number of consultations with the relevant stakeholders, we can now announce that Jamaica will not be hosting Carnival in Jamaica in April this year.

“We strongly believe it is in the best interest of our people and will aid in the Government’s fight to preserve lives and livelihoods, as we continue to see an increase in cases due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

He continued, “We are mindful of the significant economic loss this will have on our country, as this event generates billions annually, with many small and medium-sized enterprises benefitting from the celebrations. However, despite the ongoing roll-out of vaccines, the Government of Jamaica must continue to put strong measures in place to prevent unnecessary exposure of our people and visitors, to the deadly disease.”

Organisers have indicated that all bands and fetes will honour all tickets and costumes purchased in 2020 for the next staging.