Bad luck follows Sandz

Just weeks after Sandz Offshore in Toronto, Canada, was bloodily interrupted by a stampede causing minor injuries to some patrons, the event’s return to Jamaica for August 1 (Emancipation Day) was surprisingly postponed.

“I wouldn’t want to believe that this is spillover from a previous staging. This situation is one where it’s just bad luck,” Supreme Team CEO Andrew Ellis told THE WEEKEND STAR.

In a post on Instagram, the Supreme Team advised its followers that it was denied the requisite permits from the relevant authorities to host the event.

The post said: “Our requests for permits were submitted at least two months prior to the event. We followed all necessary protocols and met each requirement stipulated by the authorities. However, we were denied.”

The post said that the reason given for the denial is the additional roadworks on Constant Spring Road that would potentially affect the flow of traffic along the roadway during the event.

Reportedly, news of the denial reached the team on July 26 – less than a week before the advertised date.

“Since that time, we have been looking assiduously for an alternative venue. We tried Sabina Park. We had everything lined up for it in terms of planning, parking, everything. However, the venue itself couldn’t accommodate us based on their commitments in terms of cricket. The only other option we found that was suitable was Caymanas Polo Club. The venue was on board with us, Spanish Town Municipal Corporation was on board. The only challenge we had was getting the police approval,” Ellis shared in an IGTV post.

Fair opportunity

Ellis said that considering the permit application process began two months prior “it (the denial) comes off as unfair.”

“We didn’t really get a fair opportunity to seek another venue. Maybe some consideration could have been given, in regards to appealing the denial or something,” Ellis said.

He noted that the team’s disappointment “that more consideration could not be given for the circumstances wherein now so many persons who travel and made plans for the event during this holiday period can’t experience it.” The event is now scheduled for August 18.

Tickets purchased remain valid. But patrons who require a refund are asked to email sandzcustomerservice@gmail.com. Tickets purchased on FirstInLineJA will be refunded via email.

Refunds will also be facilitated for patrons who made in-store ticket purchases. The new venue will be announced when the necessary processes are complete, and permits approved.