For the past few months, Jamaican party promoters have been suffering from early lock-offs as authorities enforce the Noise Abatement Act.
As the Christmas party season kicks into high gear, it is unlikely that the 2 am lock-off time for entertainment events will change. However, come December 17, partygoers will be able to enjoy an extension at the 30th staging of Ghetto Splash as organisers revealed that they have been granted permission for the event to continue in its 6 p.m - 6 a.m time slot.
"We are aware of the early lock-offs and the state of emergency (SOE's) and so we wrote to the relevant authorities from early out asking for an extension," said Patrick Roberts, organiser of Ghetto Splash.
"The good thing about it is that the Ministry of Culture and Entertainment is on board with us this year and they are supporting the event. For the past six years, we've had a curfew time of 6 a.m and we have permission to go up until that time again this year," Roberts told THE STAR.
With an SOE still in effect for St Andrew South, the constituency under which the event's venue falls, Roberts sought to assure the public that their safety is a number one priority. He revealed that the event will be fully supported by law enforcers from the constituency as well as specially contracted security.
"The police in the area are fully on board for the event and so their presence will be highly visible. They will be saturating the entire venue and its immediate environs. We are taking special care this year to make sure everyone has a good time and do so in safe environs."
Ghetto Splash is set for December 17 at the Drewsland Mini-Stadium.
Beenie Man, Popcaan, Capleton, Bugle, Tarrus Riley, Dre Island and a slew of other dancehall acts are expected to make appearances at the annual free show. Roberts told THE STAR that for the second consecutive year, the show will be held without a title sponsor but says because of the support of Downsound Records' CEO, Joe Bogdanovich, the event will not only go on but will be one of the best.
Still, he says support from corporate Jamaica is welcomed.
"I really am grateful for the support from Joe and his Downsound team. Without them I don't think we would be having a Ghetto Splash. But an event like this costs a lot and so we still welcome additional support from corporate Jamaica or individuals who just want to assist."
