No party permits hurting back-to-school preparations

Residents in sections of the Kingston Western Police Division are calling on the law enforcement personnel to free them up to host events such as parties and round robins.

The residents say they have not been able to generate money as the authorities have not been granting permits for these events.

"Do something so we can send we pickney back to school, if a even fi the summer," one resident of Unity Lane, which runs off Maxfield Avenue, said.

"Over pan Hunts Bay side yuh have more killing dan weh a gwan pan Denham Town side, yet Hunts Bay can a give permit, suh why we on this side can't get permit? We can't get permit for nothing at all," the resident continued.

NO PERMITS SECURED

The areas presently affected are Bentley Lane, Unity Lane, Moore Street, Georges Street, and Barnes Lane. The residents say they have been unable to secure permits for almost two years.

"Maxfield Avenue nuh have the amount a killing like weh Rema and Rose Town dem have and dem a keep dance til all daylight," he lamented.

Residents say when events are held, the police shut them down.

The residents told our news team that they struggle miserably to generate income without entertainment events.

They point to the high unemployment numbers in the communities and say people use events like round robins and cake sales to survive.

One resident said even the round robins are restricted as they have to keep them inside the bars.

"If we string up something right at the lane front, dem (police) come and ask who gi we permit and lock it off and dem a tek whoever name weh a keep it and say prosecute," the resident said. "The only way we can do a likkle thing is in the bar, and how much people can hold in a the bar?"

Janet, a bar operator on Maxfield Avenue, said that small parties, drink-ups and round robins are essential in generating income to send children to school.

"We want permits like other places. If is even for the summer and we take it from there. When dance a keep there is no violence," she said.

THE WEEKEND STAR visited the Denham Town Police Station on Wednesday to meet with head of the division Superintendent Howard Chambers, however, we were told that he was out on patrol.

Subsequent calls to his cell phone have gone unanswered.