Security tight for Buju show

As the highly anticipated first leg of Buju Banton's Long Walk to Freedom tour inches closer, organisers of the mega event say they are ready for the big day.

In an exclusive interview with THE WEEKE ND STAR, Marlon Burke of Solid Agency outlined the logistics details for the March 16 show that will be held at the National Stadium. He said that security for the event will be one of the tightest in concert history.

Well aware of the magnitude of the event, Burke revealed a partnership between the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Atlas Protection and Securipro, who will be providing security on concert night.

"On the night, we are looking to have as much as 700 security personnel working the different areas, if not more. The security will be split into two sections; one area will cover the exterior of the stadium, the entrance gates into the parking area and the first checkpoints for tickets. That area will be secured by Securipro. The secondary entrances as well as the interior of the stadium will be secured by Atlas Protection. All these areas will be supported by the JCF, who have been working with us every step of the way to ensure the event is safe for all," he said.

"The security arrangement for the stadium, as you can imagine, has to be very detailed and very strong, and so we have put together a rigid plan for the event. The numbers expected are enormous, and so with that in mind, we have to pull out all the stops. We will also be having a strict no weapons policy. So, no firearms, no knives, nothing."

ROAD CLOSURES

Burke also outlined several road closures that will be taking place throughout the day at different intervals. He said the team will be doing its best to keep the vicinities surrounding the stadium as 'free' as possible.

"We're going to be having quite a few road closures happening at different times, but the idea is to keep the main roads leading into the stadium as sterile as possible. Sections of Mountain View will be closed, as well as the intersection of Latham Avenue and Old Hope Road. There will be road closures at Stanton Terrace and Roosevelt Avenue, North Avenue and Old Hope Road and also at Tom Redcam and Arthur Wint Drive," he outlined.

In an effort to keep things flowing smoothly on the day, organisers have also implemented a park-and-ride service.

"We will be having parking for VVIP persons at the stadium. A limited amount of VIP will also get parking access, so we implore patrons to come out early. For all the other patrons, a park and ride service has been put into place. That means parking will be one provided at a location close to the venue and patrons will be shuttled to the stadium on buses provided by the JUTC," Burke said.

"We recommend that persons utilise the park and ride, as there will be less confusion as to where they're to access entry to the venue. Shuttle buses will pick you up and drop you right at your entry point."

Burke said that entrance to the stadium will be heavily regulated. He also stressed that there will be no re-entry or switching of sections.