Reggae Sumfest, the premier reggae festival, has been given the go-ahead to stage the one-week event beyond the midnight cut-off time on weekdays and 2 a.m on weekends.

Robert Russell, chairman of Summerfest Productions, the parent body of Reggae Sumfest, made the disclosure yesterday during a press conference at the Wexford Court Hotel in Montego Bay, St James.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the St James police hierarchy, following a directive from the Minister of National Security, Colonel Trevor MacMillan, whose ministry declared Reggae Sumfest a national festival, having met certain criteria.

Recommendation

The declaration followed a June 27 recommendation by the Ministry of Tourism.

"We wish to inform the public at large that the police have issued permission for us to stage the event outside the prescribed hours of the Noise Abatement Act," said Russell.

"We intend to close the show in the same way as we have done in the last 15 years, which will be about 5 a.m each day. We may go until about 6 a.m. if it becomes necessary, but not beyond," he said.

Russell referred to a letter from MacMillan directing Police Commissioner, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin to request that the commanding officer for St James, superintendent, Steve McGregor, allow the festival to go beyond the prescribed hours.

Russell also rejected suggestions that the government decision was political: "We have had favouritism from the previous administration for 18 years, now it is on the opposite side," he said.

He said the Sumfest closing time could have become an issue because the new administration might not have been fully aware of the huge economic spin-off for the country.

Russell also said other promoters and event planners should endeavour that their shows meet the criteria as a national festival to qualify them for extended hours.