KINGSTON, Jamaica— Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby said the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation will host a series of workshops to ensure the successes and lessons from Vybz Kartel’s Freedom Street can be applied to future events of this magnitude.

Swaby made the disclosure during the first monthly meeting with councillors of the KSAMC.

He said the event produced economic value to the parish, and by extension Jamaica as there was a surge in tourist arrivals in the week leading up to the December 31 event, with approximately 32,000 visitors arriving at Norman Manley International Airport.

He also informed that most hotels and Airbnb in Kingston were also at capacity, an impact which extended to various sectors, including transportation, food, and entertainment.

“The KSAMC proudly welcomes events of this magnitude to Kingston, as their value to our city and economy is undeniable. We stand ready to guide and support organisers throughout the planning process to ensure that such events are executed successfully. These initiatives not only showcase Kingston but also contribute meaningfully to the economic well-being of its residents,” Swaby said.

He stated that following Freedom Street, the corporation conducted a debriefing session to to review the outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that lessons learned will enhance the planning and execution of future events.

The results from these sessions, Swaby said, will be applied to improve the organisation and management of future events, ensuring even greater efficiency and success.

This will begin with workshops to be held with promoters and other stakeholders, to ensure a clear standard is set for future events.

“Looking ahead, the KSAMC is committed to ensuring that events of this magnitude are executed seamlessly and contribute meaningfully to the city’s growth and development. To this end, I have directed that a series of workshops and meetings be held over the coming months,” Swaby said.

He added: “These will include sessions with promoters to set clear standards for events held in Kingston, separate workshops with production crews, and dedicated workshops for venue operators. Additionally, we will host discussions with round-robin organisers and small event promoters to ensure inclusivity. We are not excluding anyone. Both large and small promoters will have the support of the KSAMC.”

The mayor went on to assure that the KSAMC is not solely focused on revenue but is committed to maintaining safety, order and proper city management.