The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reminding the public that no permits have been granted for the hosting of parties during the Christmas season.

Assistant Police Commissioner, Gary McKenzie, who heads the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB), warned that the JCF will enforce the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA) to the fullest extent.

McKenzie, speaking with State-media entity JIS, explained that the zero-tolerance policy will be especially strict where the gathering of persons is concerned.

“At this particular time, we are not issuing any permits for persons to host parties to be together and before you know it, by next year, we are in problems as it relates to our health status,” he noted.

Under the DRMA, the general public gathering limit remains at 10 persons. The limit on the number of persons in attendance at a place of worship remains at 100, however, no crusades, conferences or conventions are permitted.

The number of persons permitted to physically attend a wedding remains at 100, so, too, the limit on the number of persons physically attending annual general meetings (AGM).

McKenzie assured that any person(s), who breaches the gathering limit will be charged.

“We will be very serious about it; we will be enforcing the DRMA. We will be arresting persons, we will be seizing the equipment that are used to set up these parties and events that are unlawful,” he noted.

The senior cop that the JCF anticipates the full cooperation of citizens as it seeks to ensure that all Jamaicans enjoy a safe Christmas.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Desmond McKenzie reiterated the ban on parties during his presentation in Parliament on Tuesday, December 14.