Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby has urged carnival promoters to put the necessary measures in place or risk their permit applications not being approved.

Speaking at the monthly meeting of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) on Tuesday, the mayor noted that all watch party and soca party promoters must apply for amusement licenses by Friday, April 11.

He advised that in order to be granted approval, necessary requirements include insurance and fire certificates, site layout, the health department no objection letter for food to be served and proper arrangement for waste disposal.

Swaby told councilors that the KSAMC in partnership with the Carnival Secretariat have held two interagency meetings with Carnival in Jamaica stakeholders. He said discussions focused on the necessary approval for road marches and Jouvert events.

“The KSAMC received all band routes and all amusement license applications from Exodus, Yardmas, and GenXS. These applications are currently under review by the city engineer officer, Disaster Management Unit, and the revenue team to ensure compliance,” he said.

He added that the KSAMC public relations unit, along with its review team, have produced a flyer and video to guide promoters of watch parties.

Jamaica’s carnival season, which is now in full swing, will culminate in late April with the annual road march.