Party still a keep? - Event organisers monitor coronavirus as local case confirmed

The announcement of the first imported case of the deadly coronavirus in Jamaica, doesn't portend well for the entertainment industry, which thrives on gatherings.

Among the events of concern to partygoers and other revellers, are carnival, set for April 15 to 21, and the weekly dancehall sessions.

With the exhortations from the Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton telling persons not to panic, the organisers of the three carnival groups, Bacchanal Jamaica, Xaymaca International, and Xodus Carnival put out a joint message.

They stated that while they are "concerned about the impact and are committed to doing our part to minimise the spread of this virus", the party is still on.

"At this time, we continue to consult with the Government about precautions to be adopted over the next few months and the implications for the entire entertainment and tourism industries. We assure our masqueraders that we remain in full execution mode and are optimistic that Jamaica will be able to minimise the effects on our people and visitors in the near term," the carnival organisers said.

An impending event is the Sterling Gospel Music Awards, a usually well attended, red-carpet affair, scheduled to be held at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston, this weekend.

The organisers say that up to this point, the event is still on.

"We had a meeting earlier today and took the decision to leave everything in place for Saturday's awards show," Kenesha Nooks, publicist for the awards show told THE STAR.

Precautionary measures

She added that her entity is taking all precautionary measures, as advised by Health Ministry.

"We are standing by waiting to hear what will happen, and we are monitoring all updates," she said.

In an address to the nation on Tuesday, Tufton stated that discussions will have to be made about public gatherings, but up to press time, no decision had been communicated publicly. Lenworth 'Squeeze' Samuels, president of the Jamaica Association of Professional DJs, Promoters & Sound System Owners, says his organisation is on high alert.

Noting that several events globally have announced postponement owing to the coronavirus, Samuels said that "hard decisions are going to have to be made about hosting events with large gatherings, in order to protect healthy space and safety for all. We understand the fallout in income, but safety and protection of lives come first."

Jamaican entertainers have felt the pinch of the coronavirus as far as cancellation of events overseas are concerned.

Reggae singer Terry Linen told THE STAR yesterday that a show he was confirmed for in California has been cancelled.

"My agent contacted me this week to let me know that the concert, which was supposed to take place on March 27, has been cancelled. Promoters in the US and Canada were calling about other events, but the coronavirus has put them on hold. It is a serious virus, we a pray and hope for the best," Terry Linen told THE STAR.

Late yesterday, Member of Parliament for East Portland, Ann-Marie Vaz, announced the postponement of her birthday bash, which was scheduled for Saturday, March 14 at Folly Oval in Port Antonio.

Among the headliners that were billed for the stage show were Bounty Killer, Capleton, Busy Signal, Bugle, Louie Culture, Tommy Lee, Chi Ching Ching, and Gully Bop.