KSAMC mandates fee payments for entertainment events

In a move aimed at promoting responsible event planning, the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Cooperation (KSAMC) has passed a resolution for the inclusion of fees in applications for hosting entertainment events.

The new policy applies to all events requiring permits, licences or other forms of authorisation that are granted by the KSAMC. The resolution, which was passed during the KSAMC's monthly meeting at the corporation's office in downtown Kingston on Tuesday, is in response to growing concerns about the impact of entertainment events on local infrastructure, public safety and community resources.

With the increasing popularity of these large-scale events, local authorities recognised the need to establish a sustainable system for managing these activities. The resolution proposes the imposition of the corresponding fees for entertainment events based on their size, type, and impact on the community, which are currently under discussion. Addressing the meeting, Kingston's Mayor, Councillor Andrew Swaby, said discussions have been held with the organisers of one major carnival event, noting that the meeting was attended by several other key stakeholders. These included representatives of the Ministry of Tourism and the regulatory authorities, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), Jamaica Fire Brigade, Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Public Health Department.

"The focus of the meeting was on ensuring proper planning, approval and execution of what has become one of Kingston's biggest events, attracting both local and international interests. The key focus this year is preventing the excess piles of garbage on the streets," Swaby said.

"Based on past experiences, we are pulling out all the stops to develop and implement safeguards that will ensure that this process is effective. We want to prevent the repeat of the occurrences of the pile-up of garbage on major roadways and residential communities after the hosting of these events. It is agreed that private arrangements will be made between the organisers/promoters of these events and the NSWMA for clean-up and garbage collection after each event," he pointed out.

Swaby said it is also agreed that NSWMA will supervise arrangements for the removal of paint and residue.

"We are still in the process of devising strategies to address the issues of watch parties, which are a popular feature of carnival. These events contribute to the issue of the pile-up of garbage on major roadways within the commercial districts and need to be addressed," he said, noting that several proposals have been made for review.

Event organisers will be required to pay fees in advance, with payment terms and deadlines specified in the resolution. Additionally, the KSAMC will seek to impose a mandatory refundable bond fee for all approved events to cover the cost of cleaning all relevant sections of the municipality. This is in the event the initial fee is not sufficient to cover the effects of damage and costs incurred for clean-up during and after these events.

Once the relevant areas have been cleaned, this refundable bond will be returned to the organisers.