In light of a recent breach in the Disaster Risk Management Act last weekend which saw the capsizing of a party boat in Negril, Local Government Minister, Desmond McKenzie is warning that there will be stricter enforcement of the disaster risk measures.

Reports are that the Fantasy Island boat in question, was hosting its party cruise mid-afternoon on Saturday (May 1), when it pulled up alongside another boat said to be carrying a majority of the guests, who then proceeded to ‘jump ship’ leading to an overcrowding of the boat which no sooner capsized.

According to McKenzie, “while we are relieved that there were no injuries or deaths reported, the fact is that all entertainment events are prohibited by order”.

He therefore noted, “that the Westmoreland police are investigating the matter, and… all who organized this event, including the owners and managers of the vessel, and those who attended it are liable for prosecution”. 

All Cays were ordered closed to entertainment events with immediate effect on January 21, 2021. Despite this persons have continued to devise and stage illegal entertainment events.

As a result of this the Ministry of Local Government and Comunity Development, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, and the police are now even more determined to put a stop to these activities and prosecute those who promote their own interest in favor of that of public health and safety.

The minister urged “everyone to do the right thing (and) obey the law”, warning that as “the Disaster Risk Management Act has been amended, these offences attract specific fines, as well as a maximum fine of J$1 million and a maximum of one year in prison on conviction in the courts”.

In addition, he said that “the police are also no longer required to warn offenders before prosecuting them”.

• Related article: Capsized ‘Fantasy Island’ to return soon after Negril mishap