Prime Minister Andrew Holness has assured Jamaicans that the government remains committed to supporting the entertainment industry, which he described as a legitimate and vital economic activity.

However, with the festive season approaching, he emphasised the need for enhanced security measures at events, citing concerns over the rise in violence, particularly mass shootings, at large gatherings.

“I have seen the pleadings and complaints of persons in the entertainment industry. My constituency is one area that thrives on the street dances and the parties. I have invested in developing the hip-strip in my constituency. I understand that round robins and parties are legitimate economic activities, and the government supports legitimate economic activities. We want people to enjoy themselves, and these parties can be a good way of bringing communities together, and if properly managed, it can become a real major industry for Jamaica,” Holness said while speaking at a post-cabinet press briefing last week

Holness said his administration is now examining security protocols to ensure the safety of Jamaicans at entertainment events as it nears the festive season.

“The response has been to be preemptive, and the local police commanders have exercised their authorities in curtailing some of these events. But we acknowledge that it can’t be the only response, that we have to bring the community in and work with them to establish the security protocols and actions that they need to put in place to prevent these things from happening,” Holness said.

Among the recommendations are installing surveillance cameras and working with the police in conducting security assessments of venues to ensure the safety of patrons. Holness said the government will provide further directions on how to keep entertainment events safe as it leads up to the festive season.

“We want the events to be held; they are legitimate activities; they bring income to the communities in which they are held; we want them, but we also want the safety of the people who attend these events,” he said.