Police Says 'No Ban On Parties' Despite Elections

Following Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness’ announcement that the island’s 16th general elections will take place on December 29, law enforcement official claim that they won’t issue any ban on events scheduled to take place during the holiday season.

Holness’ revelation at a rally in Mandeville, Manchester on Sunday cast doubt regarding the status of several parties that will take place between Nomination Day (December 12) and the final week of 2011. Since the announcement, STING promoter, Isaiah Laing insisted that the popular stage show, scheduled for December 26, will go on despite the concern regarding typical election tensions.

However, a cloud surrounded Shaggy’s annual charity concert, Shaggy and Friends given its scheduled date falls a day after the election. Despite speculations police would refuse to grant permits to promoters looking to keep events during the final three weeks of 2011, police officials confirmed on Wednesday that they won’t impose a ban.

Karl Angell, the director of communications at the Jamaica Constabulary Force issued a press release addressing their decision for not imposing a ban.

"The Police High Command is advising the public that there is no ban on functions, parties, or any other such related entertainment activities during the official election period, which begins on nomination day, Monday, December 12. Persons wanting to conduct such events should apply for the required police permit in the usual manner to the police commander in charge of the division in which the function is scheduled to take place," the statement read.

"Each application for a police permit will be assessed on its own merit. The police are, however, advising permit holders that they must act responsibly and abide by the rules as set out in the permit," it continued.

This upcoming election will see Jamaica’s youngest Prime Minister, Andrew Holness square off against People’s National Party leader, Portia Simpson-Miller.