MANCHESTER, Jamaica – For the second time within a month, a businessman is accusing the leadership of the Manchester Municipal Corporation of political sabotage in revoking an entertainment permit.

Adion Peart more popularly known as ‘Diamond Finger’, the promoter of Color Splash, told Observer Online on Tuesday that he was made aware of the permit being cancelled by way of a platform address by Mandeville mayor Donovan Mitchell on Monday night at a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Cecil Charlton Park.

Peart earlier this year, switched allegiance to the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) from the People’s National Party (PNP). The Manchester Municipal Corporation is controlled by the PNP.
“The Manchester Municipal Corporation did approve or did collect for the event Color Splash on Main Street. Having reviewed the permission a decision has been taken to cancel that permit and so I want to say to the public… that the event will not be kept there nor within the precincts of the town. The producer has to find a space outside the precincts of the town where it can hold the necessary crowd that generally comes with that event,” Mitchell said.

However, Peart is questioning the mayor’s announcement as the Main Street venue is the second area that he has proposed for the event.

“Outside the precincts of the town would be looking at residential areas. This is a commercial space and I think such an event for the Christmas and the public is the best location, it is downtown,” he said while pointing out that the property is just under two acres which he plans to sectionalise to include parking for 100 vehicles.

Promoter Adion Peart pointing to the land space for Color Splash on Main Street in Mandeville.

“It is 28 times that it has been held in the town over the last 10 years. This time around I think it is very unfair to be having an issue after I received permission legally and now I am on the verge of spending close to five million,” he added.

Peart, who in November said he felt politically victimised when Mitchell issued a stop order on a commercial building to house a fast food restaurant in Christiana, said his political allegiance shouldn’t be mixed with his professional life.

“I want to go forward with my business without politics contradicting anything that I am doing. I have some feelings and you can read between the lines,” he said.

Peart, who is now looking at alternatives and possible legal action against the municipality, said the event will happen.

“On the grounds of hosting this event, I want to assure the citizens that the event will be held on December 24 in Manchester once we get this issue rectified. I am looking at legal avenues to make sure this event happens and recover damages,” he said.

– Kasey Williams