Durrant Pate/Contributor   

The Reggae Jam Festival International, which was scheduled for this weekend in Friendship, Trelawny will not be happening as initially planned.

This is as a result of the inclement weather conditions at the park.

Falmouth, Jamaica – Partners, organisers of the two-day event, released a statement on Thursday (June 13) advising of the postponement.

They say, “The decision to postpone the show was made with careful consideration of the festival’s core values and mission.”

“With unfavourable weather conditions over the past two weeks and the forecast for the remaining week questionable, the safety challenges posed by the weather have made it impractical to proceed with the event within the limited time frame available. After thorough evaluation, the team explored the possibility of relocating the event to the Falmouth Cruise Ship Pier. While initially considered a potential alternative, further assessment revealed that the pier might fall short of the required criteria for the event,” the statement continued.

Alternative location not considered appropriate

The decision to postpone the show was made with careful consideration of the festival’s core values and mission with the organisers emphasising that the authentic cultural reggae experience, which is integral to the event, cannot be replicated at the pier.

“The festival’s essence, centred around the message of unity and the preservation of reggae music, is crucial for bridging generational gaps and promoting community involvement,” Falmouth, Jamaica – Partners contends.

The organisers reiterate their commitment to delivering a memorable and meaningful experience for attendees. As such, the festival will be rescheduled to ensure that the essence of reggae music and the message of unity are honoured and celebrated. 

Falmouth, Jamaica – Partners says the decision to centre the event around the messenger, Burning Spear, reflects its dedication to promoting cultural heritage and providing economic opportunities for the community. 

According to the organizers, “As we navigate these unexpected circumstances, we are deeply grateful for the continued support and understanding of our community. Your enthusiasm fuels our commitment to delivering a festival that exceeds expectations and celebrates the rich culture of Jamaica. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause and assure all ticket holders that their purchases remain valid for the rescheduled dates December 27-28, 2024.”    

For those seeking refunds, the organizers are asking them to visit the festival’s official website for further instructions adding, “Our partners appreciate the understanding and support of all stakeholders and look forward to delivering an exceptional event in the near future.”