St Ann police blacklist some summer party venues
OCHO RIOS, St Ann — The police in St Ann have blacklisted several venues which have hosted summer parties in the past.
It’s an attempt to prevent a repeat of the gridlock and traffic snarls seen earlier this year when revellers descended on the resort parish to attend popular events.
“Some of the traditional venues used for events will not be given permission by the police. Some of these areas will cause traffic congestion and gridlock as we have seen on two occasions this year. We had major gridlock because of events hosted, along with the antisocial behaviour of motorists on the road,” deputy superintendent of police in charge of operations in the parish, Linton Bailey, told the monthly sitting of the St Ann Municipal Corporation on Thursday.
In April, as Easter weekend celebrations kicked into high gear, motorists — including locals going about their usual routine and party-goers who were in town for specific events — were stuck in traffic for hours. Some slept in their cars while others abandoned their vehicles and walked to their destinations.
“The police are not against hosting of parties because they bring economic business to the parish, but at the end of the day we must ensure that the people in the parish can go about their business in a comfortable way. The interest of the people in the parish must be first and foremost,” Bailey said.
Approved locations for events, he said, include Seville Great House which will host Emancipation celebrations. There will also be “some major musical events”, said the lawman.
“During that time our roadway will be heavily pressured by persons travelling. We are asking persons during that time if you don’t have to travel please don’t; and if you can cut some travelling short before peak hours, please do,” he appealed.
“We recommend that more people carpool and for the [event organisers] to be creative. An express bus service, say from Ocho Rios to Runaway Bay, can help us to eliminate traffic on the road,” Bailey said.