ST ANN, Jamaica — The St Ann Municipal Corporation says it is working closely with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to manage the anticipated increase in traffic ahead of Reggae Sumfest, which is scheduled to be held in Richmond, St Ann, on Saturday, July 18.
Mayor of St Ann’s Bay, Councillor Michael Belnavis, said discussions with the police are ongoing to ensure traffic flows smoothly and public safety is maintained during the highly anticipated event.
Speaking with JIS News following the corporation’s monthly meeting last week, Belnavis said the police presence in the parish will be bolstered by officers from outside St Ann to support local personnel with traffic management and crowd-control operations.
The mayor also noted that event organisers will provide shuttle bus services for patrons in an effort to reduce the number of private vehicles travelling to and from the venue, helping to ease congestion.
“Our strategy is to minimise the number of private vehicles on the road while ensuring patrons can move efficiently to and from the venue,” Belnavis said, encouraging attendees to carpool where possible.
“People are encouraged to carpool as best as they can; this will make life so much easier for everybody,” he added.
Belnavis said preparations are at an advanced stage, stressing the importance of close coordination among local authorities, event organisers and law enforcement agencies.
He acknowledged that the Drax Hall and Priory corridor already experiences significant traffic congestion during normal periods, making effective traffic management critical for the successful staging of the event.
This year’s staging marks the first time Reggae Sumfest will be held in St Ann after the festival was relocated from its traditional home at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex in Montego Bay, St James. The move followed extensive damage to the venue caused by Hurricane Melissa.
Belnavis said the successful execution of the traffic plan is essential to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for patrons, performers, event staff and residents.
“It is very important that we get this right,” he said, noting that efficient traffic flow will be key to allowing attendees to access the venue and depart safely after the event concludes.
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