Haul and pull up!
THERE appears to be light at the end of the tunnel for party promoters involved in the No Music, No Vote campaign. National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang has promised to “ease up” on the time cap for events.
Chang made the statement at Boasy Tuesdays held at the Little Kew community in Kingston.
“I am here as the minister tonight to get a feel of the event because we understand that you obey the law. The current law (Noise Abatement Act), in a sense, is outdated but you have to give me some time to get the changes. I like the vibes. We understand that you need the opportunity to do business and display the creative talents of Jamaica as we can see tonight; we see it clearly and if you do it well, we’ll allow the people, the dancers, the musicians to do better for themselves … The goal of any law and Government is to give business people opportunities to build a business. If you prosper, the country prospers and all of us prosper,” Chang told patrons at the weekly event.
“When people are doing well, they’re not involved in any criminal activities. But look [out] for the work we’ll be doing. I think we have couple weeks to sort out this thing. I really love the scene; I like it, you’ll see me again,” he concluded, as the crowd erupted in cheers.
Chang was accompanied by mayor of Kingston, Delroy Williams.
Speaking to the Jamaica Observer, resident deejay Marlon “Boom Boom” Wizard expressed that himself and residents of Little Kew were elated to host the government officials.
“Fi tell you di truth, it was a joy when dem step inna di place. Di people dem glad fi si dem, di party neva go long; wi lock it off afta 12, but it was a great one still,” he said.
Wizard is happy that the plight of promoters is not being ignored.
“Mi feel good inna myself fi know seh all a di request, weh wi reach out to dem, wi a get some response now,” he said.
The No Music, No Vote campaign intensified approximately one month ago after retro party, Footloose, was ended prematurely by the police at 2:00 am, though its promoter said his permit reflected a 4:00 am lock-off.
Besides Dr Chang and Williams with whom promoters met two Fridays ago, Assistant Commissioner of Police Kevin Blake and Minister of Culture Olivia “Babsy” Grange allowed dance promoters to air their concerns in separate meetings.