MONTEGO BAY, St James — On the heels of two politicians having to apologise for using expletives on the campaign trail, the police have warned that they will not turn a blind eye and deaf ear to the use of expletives during artistes’ live performances at Reggae Sumfest.

Commander of the St James Police Division Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Eron Samuels told the Jamaica Observer that the police’s stance has been communicated to promoters of the festival, dubbed the “Greatest Reggae Show on Earth”.

“We have warned the promoters to warn the persons performing to desist from doing that. So we will have that zero-tolerance approach, as always,” SSP Samuels said.

“Their management teams are in support of it. So we are hoping that we won’t have any issues regarding that this year,” he added.

St Catherine South Western Member of Parliament Everard Warrington, who was elected on a Jamaica Labour Party ticket, and President of the People’s National Party Mark Golding recently offered mea culpa after using profane language during campaign events.

According to Section 9C of the Towns and Communities Act, the use of expletives in public places can lead to a fine of up to $1,500 and/or a jail sentence of up to 30 days. However neither politician was charged, eliciting claims of a double standard from some sections of the society who pointed to Sumfest artistes being fined in the past.

SSP Samuels told the Observer that his team is far advanced in preparation for the music festival, which is expected to pull a bumper crowd in this its 32nd staging.

“Everything is in place. We have all the requisite plans, orders, permits. What we want is just the cooperation of the public to ensure that they use the current parking facilities,” said the senior cop.

“So far, so good. We have more than enough police officers taken from all across the country,” he added.

He was, however, quick to warn that vehicles parked outside the authorised area are not assured protection against theft.

“[W]e are asking members of the public to park their vehicles in the designated areas,” SSP Samuels cautioned.

“There will be enough traffic personnel to ensure that persons move smoothly along the Catherine Hall area,” he added.

Confirmed acts for Catherine Hall Complex on Friday and Saturday nights — the most anticipated of the week-long festival — include Toni Braxton, Vybz Kartel, Tarrus Riley, Masicka, Protoje, Tommy Lee Sparta, Fanton Mojah, and more.

— Horace Hines