Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness responding to rumours circulating on social media that citizens were prohibited from hosting parties during the Christmas season has sought to reassure Jamaicans that there is no ban on festive celebrations.

Holness warned that misinformation has the potential to undermine public order.

“There are those people…who are vested in telling you lies to mislead you. For what reason? I don’t know. Maybe they want the country to descend in chaos. They don’t like to see law and order,” he stated.

The prime minister was speaking with residents at the hurricane shelter located at Petersfield High School in Westmoreland during a Christmas Treat held on Saturday, December 13.

During the treat, residents were given relief and gift item and were feted by various eatery chains, such as Popeyes, Burger King, and Krispy Crème.

While encouraging entertainment activities, the Holness emphasised that such events must be properly organised and aligned with public safety requirements.

“The police have said that they will give permits for parties so long as the promoters make the proper arrangements,” he shared while outlining several practical considerations that organisers must address, particularly in communities still facing infrastructural challenges.

“Some places don’t have light. So if you’re going to keep a party you have to put up light. You have to get one generator, people have to have water [to] use bathroom facilities,” he said.

The prime minister also underscored the need to safeguard patrons, pointing to security as a critical requirement.

“Some of the entertainment areas are sometimes targeted by criminals, and therefore you have to prepare for the safety of the patrons. So, you need to arrange for security,” Holness said.

“The Government wants communities to return to normal, and therefore go back to your business. Having parties and dances are part of the business to return the community to business,” he added.

Holness cautioned residents to be mindful of the information they consume, particularly on social media platforms.

“Information is like food, if you consume bad food, it will make your body unhealthy. If you consume bad information it will make your mind unhealthy,” he said.

He added that false claims could influence poor decision-making.

Meanwhile, Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie also addressed the residents and directly refuted the rumours circulating online.

He stated that once the relevant authorities grant approval citizens are free to proceed with their events, adding that the misinformation stemmed from confusion about guidance that applied only to the activities of government organisations.

“Anybody here, once the municipal corporation and the police agree and you can find light, every Jamaican can have their party. What was said only goes for government [offices] and not for the wider Jamaica. It is mischief. Once the police and the municipal corporation grant the permission, you are free to party until you say when,” he explained.

— JIS

Andrew Holness (back row, third right) is all smiles as he participates in the Prime Minister’s Christmas Treat at Middle Quarters Primary and Infant School in St Elizabeth on December 13. Also present is Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green (background, right). JIS