Jamaica’s Entertainment Industry Players Get Green Light

Those in the entertainment industry who have been reeling from the restrictions implemented to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus can breathe a sigh of relief as of July 1, as Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness today announced measures for a phased reopening of the sector.

In fact, he said his administration is prepared to offer certain government-owned venues to some organisers rent-free, as well as offer a 50 percent discount on permit fees.

Speaking in Parliament, Holness said the Government worked with industry practitioners to develop the protocols announced today, and that at this stage, there are two categories of events being contemplated — small and large events.
Small events, with no more than 100 individuals, will generally include outdoor concerts, parties, round robins, festivals, community events, corporate mixers, handing-over or groundbreaking ceremonies, and other events of this nature, the prime minister said.

“The organisers of small events will be allowed to make applications for permits as they normally would, through their local authorities who will work with them to ensure that the protocols are in place for a safe event,” Holness said, adding that the municipal corporations have agreed to reduce the cost of applying for permits and licenses by 50 per cent.

“A small event outdoors could be up to 100 persons. For indoor events, meaning those held in a covered area with controlled entry, we have put a cap on the number of persons who can attend a small event. This is determined as 60 per cent of useable square footage — not including bathroom or kitchen — divided by 40 square feet, or 100 persons, whichever is lower,” the prime minister explained in Gordon House in downtown Kingston.

Turning to the large events, which include stage shows, church conventions, conferences or crusades, and related activities, Holness said the organisers would have to go through an additional layer of approval.

“Organisers of the large events must first send an application to the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport. The ministry will review the application to see that it meets the requirements.

“When the ministry is satisfied, it will forward the application to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM),” he said, adding that ODPEM would consult with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the municipal corporation, and any other relevant authorities, and if they are satisfied, the application for the event to be held at a specified place and time would be approved.

The prime minister also said that his administration is prepared to offer government-owned venues to the organisers of large entertainment events rent-free.

“We will waive the normal rental costs, and organisers would be required to cover only the operating costs such as utilities and security costs,” he said.
The venues identified so far include the National Stadium complex in Kingston, Trelawny Stadium, Fort Rocky and Fort Charles as part of the Port Royal Entertainment Zone, Seville and the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, Falmouth Pier and Port Royal Pier.

“We are also negotiating with the local authorities and the private sector to see how we can provide subsidies for the use of other venues across the country as a stimulus for the entertainment industry,” he said.

In the meantime, Holness advised that the distinction between small and large events is not based on the nature of the event but on the maximum number of individuals allowed to be present. He also said that the Government will not mandate as part of the protocols for approval of events that individuals attending be vaccinated or tested.

“While such protocols would definitely reduce the risks, the shortage of vaccines and the cost associated with tests could result in a significant burden on the industry at this time. Let me hasten to add, however, that if private event holders wish to include such requirements to market their events, they would be free to do so,” Holness said.