Adrian Frater, Gleaner Writer
Mayor of Savanna-la-Mar, Bertel Moore, supports the move to create a special entertainment zone in Negril's West End. - Contributed
WESTERN BUREAU: With Negril's entertainment sector taking a financial battering due to the enforcement of the Noise Abatement Act, the resort town's business and entertainment stakeholders want permission to operate outside of the hours prescribed by the law in a specially designated zone.
Speaking at a recent meeting called by the Negril and Western Jamaica MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) to outline plans to transform the town into the Caribbean's cultural hub, the organisation's chairman, businessman Carey Wallace, noted that because of the Noise Abatement Act Negril was not able to offer the round-the-clock entertainment promised visitors.
"As things are, we have no choice but to comply with the law, which states that shows should end at midnight during the week and 2 a.m. on weekends," said Wallace. "We would like to see that change, because it is having a negative impact on the town."
According to businessman and MSME member, Clive 'Kubba' Pringle, they intend to lobby Government to have a section of West End Road area designated a 'special entertainment zone'. That zone would have the requisite permission to operate beyond the time stipulated in the Noise Abatement Act.
"The area we have under consideration falls outside of the residential area and would not impact those people who do not wished to be disturbed," said Pringle. "We have major plans to develop West End Road, but we must be able to deliver on what we promise visitors."
Elephant Man
Party people soak up the fun in the foam pit at Margaritaville, Negril, at 'Wildsides' in August.- photo by Janet Silvera
Savanna-la-Mar's mayor, Councillor Bertel Moore, who represents the Negril division in the Westmoreland Parish Council, told the meeting that he was fully supportive of the move, arguing that the town is an acknowledged entertainment resort and should not be stifled.
"I am ready and willing to join whatever lobby group is formed seeking to have changes made to the Noise Abatement Act in so far as Negril is concerned," said Mayor Moore. "I am ready to affix my signature to any document calling for the creation of an entertainment zone."
Clifton 'Specialist' Dillon, a special adviser to Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, encouraged the Negril group to develop a document outlining their proposal with a view to making a formal presentation to Minister Grange.
justifiable case
"The organisers of Reggae Sumfest made out a special case to Government and they got a special exemption from the Noise Abatement Act to stage their event earlier this year," said Dillon. "Once you have a justifiable case I am sure you could get a similar consideration."
As part of its plans to develop Negril into a cultural hub, the Negril and Western Jamaica MSME's have secured a two-year multimillion-dollar funding arrangement from the European Union. J$14 million has already been approved for the first year of the project.
Among the plans slated for the project's first year are pedestrian walkways, sidewalks, parking lots and bypass roads; business upgrading, training and beautification; staging and supporting major events, marketing West End Road and putting in measures to ensure West End Road is safe for locals and visitors.
"Our ultimate aim is to create wealth and prosperity for West End Road and its environs," said Wallace. "We want Negril to offer signature entertainment like Las Vegas, South Beach (Miami) and Bourbon Street (New Orleans).
"When you come to the West End Road entertainment strip you should be walking into a total Jamaican experience," said Wallace. "Everything should be authentic Jamaica, ranging from food, art, craft, fashion and music."
