MONTEGO BAY, St James — In the wake of Sunday’s shooting incident that left three people injured at the Big Wall Revolution after-party for Carnival 2026, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has announced the establishment of a special task force aimed at strengthening safety measures at large-scale entertainment events.

He was speaking with reporters at the conclusion of the Jamaica Youth Tourism Summit, hosted by students of The University of the West Indies, Mona, Western Jamaica Campus, in Montego Bay, Thursday. Bartlett said the initiative will be spearheaded by the Linkages Network within his ministry.

“In everything, we have to always rethink and examine how we add value, and how we make the Carnival experience a safer, more secure one …one that lingers in people’s minds for all the positives,” Bartlett stated.

“A very special task force is being set up through the Linkages Network of my ministry, which manages major projects such as Carnival, the Coffee Festival, and other key engagements that attract visitors to Jamaica. This body will review and strengthen safety arrangements across these events to ensure that there is no repeat of the unfortunate incidents experienced this time,” he added.

Sunday’s incident apart, the tourism minister said, “Carnival in Jamaica 2026 has sent a powerful message that Jamaica is resilient, vibrant and pressing ahead with confidence.

“Coming after Hurricane Melissa, this staging means even more. With approximately 11,000 revellers, some 70 fêtes — the most since the event began — and exceptionally strong spectator support, all signs point to one of the strongest Carnival seasons we have seen.”

Bartlett noted that while the full economic assessment is still under way, all indications are that the financial impact is tracking close to last year’s levels.

“For context, the 2025 staging generated an estimated $7.7 billion in direct expenditure and a total economic impact of $165.7 billion. If 2026 holds near that range it would represent a significant achievement for Jamaica in this period of recovery,” said Bartlett.

He added that the success of the event “is another reminder that when Jamaica’s culture comes alive, the benefits ripple across the wider economy”.

Bartlett pointed to the importance of maintaining “momentum” and what it would take to ensure that takes place.

“We must also be deliberate about protecting the event and destination reputation of Brand Jamaica,” Bartlett said.

“That is critical. I have therefore charged the Linkages Sub-Committee to examine measures to strengthen safety and emergency response arrangements as we look toward Carnival 2027 so that this product continues to grow stronger, safer and more competitive,” added Bartlett.