Events stand still

Garfene Grandison, Gleaner Writer

A number of events scheduled for the weekend have been postponed as a result of the civil unrest across the Corporate Area over the past few days. Although there has been a lull in the recent spate of shootings, many of the promoters share the view that the safety of their patrons is of utmost importance, especially since sections of Kingston and St Andrew are under a monthlong state of emergency.

Dwayne Harris, promoter of the Appleton May Daze party series, stated, "This is the first time we've postponed any party and we sincerely apologise to our patrons. We will be back for the final two nights of frolic soon, and in accordance with advice from the security forces."

He added, "Stephen (Willie) and I really have to take into consideration the safety of our patrons, and seriously consider the situation as it develops, and we really think that it's best for our patrons, partners, deejays and all involved if we party in a safe environment."

Willie, Harris' promotional partner, was optimistic about the final nights of the party series, probably due to the heavy turnout so far.

"One thing is sure, May is gonna be a long month this year, because May Daze will be going into June," he said.

Styleweek for july

Styleweek Jamaica, another event that was already postponed from this weekend to next weekend, will again be rescheduled for July 9-11. The events and venues will be the same but, according to CEO and president of Saint International Deiwght Peters, "After much consultations and observation of the prevailing political climate, we think it's prudent to change the date for this year's staging of Styleweek Jamaica." The main events remain as follows: The International Men's Collection at Devon House on Friday, July 9, International Mecca of Style at Fort Charles on Saturday, July 10, and Fashion Block on Sunday, July 11, on Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston.

Jamaica's most celebrated oldies party, Heineken Good Times, has also been postponed. The event was scheduled to take place tomorrow at Mas Camp after completing good runs in Grenada and New York. However, despite the high anticipation from party fans, The Quorum, organisers of Good Times, postponed the event due to the recent instability in public order in the Corporate Area and its surroundings.

Jerome Hamilton of The Quorum explained that patrons who have already bought presold tickets may keep those tickets as they are valid for the next Good Times party at a date to be announced.

Charitable ventures are not exempt from the repercussions of the civil unrest. The Music for Life Charity Concert, which seeks to provide aid to the children of the Allman Town Basic School, which was scheduled for tomorrow, has been postponed until July 3. According to youth activist and head honcho of the Lawman Lynch Foundation (LLF), Lawman Lynch, "Due to the current State of Emergency imposed on Kingston and St Andrew, the LLF and our partners take this opportunity to inform you that Music for Life, slated for Saturday, May 29 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, has been postponed."

He further stated, "While we regret any inconvenience this postponement may cause, the LLF and Music for Life family firmly believes that the safety of our patrons, family and friends are of utmost importance. Additionally, we must ensure that our supporters from all communities have time to recuperate."

Charity event postponed

Another charitable fund-raiser scheduled for tomorrow, A Sunshine Evening, has also been postponed. Marva Bernard, president of the Jamaica Netball Association, stated that "Because of the current state of affairs in our beloved country we have no alternative but to postpone the Sunshine Evening. We are looking at a date in June and you will be advised as soon as we have signed off on that."

Other events that have been postponed this weekend includes the live show at Red Bones Blues Cafe as well as LIME's schedule of activities in western Jamaica. In a correspondence, Camille Taylor, corporate communications manager, stated, " Please be advised that due to the current situation, which is affecting communities across the country, LIME has postponed all of the activities which were scheduled to be held in Montego Bay between Thursday, May 27, and Saturday, May 29. As soon as we have finalised new dates and times we will inform you." Similarly, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission has also postponed, until further notice, its annual Regional Festival of Foods - Eastern Showcase, scheduled for today at the Chinese Benevolent Association in St Andrew.

According to a release, "A new date will be announced shortly and participants are asked to monitor the media and contact their respective parish offices for further updates."