KINGSTON, Jamaica — A visitor from the United States who was injured during a shooting at the Big Wall Revolution event on Sunday has issued a statement describing the incident as “deeply traumatic” and “unacceptable” while raising concerns about safety and emergency preparedness at public events locally.

Jeremy Watson, who was in Jamaica for the annual Carnival season, said he attended the event at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on what was intended to be his final night on the island.

According to Watson, he had been inside the venue for only a few minutes when he was struck by a stray bullet during an altercation involving entertainers.

“What should have been a celebratory and memorable evening instead became a deeply traumatic experience,” he said, noting that patrons at organised, paid events expect a safe and secure environment. “This incident represents a serious failure in ensuring that environment.”

Watson reported that his injuries are severe and may result in long-term disability due to nerve damage. He is expected to be transported to the United States for urgent surgery, adding that the ordeal has caused significant physical, emotional and financial distress.

READ: Bystander in carnival shooting facing possible permanent injury — relative

He also criticised the emergency response at the venue, stating that although an ambulance was present, it lacked basic medical supplies and personnel were unable to adequately manage his bleeding.

“This situation is unacceptable,” Watson said, calling for stricter safety protocols and improved emergency preparedness at public events. He urged authorities to hold event organisers accountable and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“I can only hope that Jamaica takes this incident as a serious wake-up call and holds event organisers accountable for implementing the necessary safeguards to prevent any future patrons from enduring a situation like mine. No individual attending an event for enjoyment should have their life threatened or leave with life-altering injuries due to preventable failures in safety and preparedness. There must be accountability, and there must be change to ensure that the well-being and security of all patrons are treated as a priority, not an afterthought,” he said.

Watson was among three people injured in the incident, which involved popular podcaster Jhaedee Richards, also known as “Jaii Frais”, who was hospitalised under police guard. A third victim, said to be part of an entertainer’s entourage, is undergoing surgery and remains in critical condition.

Police sources have confirmed that music producer and manager Jahvel “Jahvy Ambassador” Morrison is in custody as investigations continue. Reports indicate that the shooting followed an altercation involving Richards outside a restroom, during which multiple firearms were drawn.

No charges have been laid as yet, and investigations into the incident remain ongoing.

READ: UPDATE: Podcaster Jaii Frais among 3 shot at carnival party, producer Jahvy in custody