KINGSTON, Jamaica — Members of the public attending the Independence Grand Gala at the National Stadium on Tuesday, August 6, are advised that no weapons, including licensed firearms, will be allowed inside the venue.

In a release on Monday, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) urged licensed firearm holders to make proper arrangements for the storage of their weapons, as the Stadium Police Station will not be accepting firearms for safekeeping. Additionally, licensed firearm holders are warned against leaving their firearms in vehicles.

“This is a dangerous practice, and based on the circumstances, firearm holders may be charged in the event their weapon is stolen from their motor vehicles,” the JCF said in its statement.

The general public is also advised that all patrons are subject to search upon entry, and any item that can be used as a weapon is liable to be seized. The release also stated that vuvuzelas are not permitted at the event.

The police are advising the public that several traffic changes have been made to facilitate the event.

Before the event:

– At midday, Arthur Wint Drive will become a one-way street. Traffic will flow easterly towards the Stadium. Persons attending the event from this direction will turn left onto Roosevelt Avenue, right onto Stanton Terrace, right onto Mountain View Avenue, right onto Arthur Wint Drive, and into the car park.

– Vehicles travelling along Arthur Wint Drive towards Mountain View Avenue will turn left at Roosevelt Avenue, then right at Stanton Terrace.

– Residents travelling easterly along Arthur Wint Drive going to the Lofts Apartments will use the slip road at the ticket office.

– Residents travelling from Mountain View Avenue to the Lofts Apartments will be allowed to proceed.

– Residents from Stadium Gardens will be able to leave and enter the community by using Arthur Wint Drive as a one-way (easterly only).

The traffic changes will remain in effect for the duration of the event.

After the event:

– Arthur Wint Drive will be one-way westerly from gate E4 towards Tom Redcam Drive. Roosevelt Avenue will operate as normal (both ways). Arthur Wint Drive from gate E5 will be one-way, easterly towards Mountain View Avenue. Latham Avenue will be one-way, north-westerly towards Old Hope Road.

– Motorists travelling on North and Central Avenue towards Arthur Wint Drive will only be allowed to turn right onto Arthur Wint Drive. Emergency vehicles will use these roads to access the Children’s Hospital.

– For about 45 minutes after the event, residents of Stadium Gardens will be able to exit the community by turning left onto Arthur Wint Drive but will not be able to enter or re-enter the community.

Citizens are to note there will be no parking allowed on the following roads:

– Roosevelt Avenue

– Arthur Wint Drive

– Latham Avenue

– Stanton Terrace

– Mountain View Avenue

Vehicles found in contravention will be towed. All parking must take place off the roadway. Motorists are asked to position their vehicles facing the directions where the traffic will flow after the event. Patrons are asked to secure the relevant specialized parking passes before reaching the National Stadium.

All patrons, both motorists and pedestrians, should obey all directions given by the police, who will be deployed in adequate numbers to ensure the safety of all.