Negril readies for parties

Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

As its busiest time of the year approaches, authorities in Negril are preparing to deal with the increased traffic that accompanies the Appleton Temptation Isle (ATI) and the Smirnoff Dream Weekend parties.

Scheduled for July 29-August 2, the parties have become, arguably, the most popular attraction in Jamaica. But traffic officials say it is part of a dark period that last year accounted for 11 traffic deaths.

ATI, now in its 10th year, is held on the weekend when Jamaica commemorates emancipation from slavery and independence from Britain. Events are sponsored by Appleton, a leading Jamaican liqueur.

Superintendent Egbert Perkins is head of the Westmoreland Police Division.

He told Automotives his team is confident of emulating their traffic-busting strategy of 2010.

These measures include designated parking at Hedonism II, Mahogany Park and Negril Beach Park. Last year, motorists who parked on the road had their vehicles towed away.

"It allowed free flow of traffic throughout the weekend because no one was allowed to park from Hedonism to the town square," Perkins said. "We expect things to be even better this year."

As many as 50 police officers will be deployed to the Negril area during the weekend, Perkins said. Most will patrol the Norman Manley Boulevard where most vehicular activity takes place.

Perkins took over as Westmoreland's top cop last year. He said he realised immediately that the parties were a traffic nightmare.

No road parking

"We saw if you allowed parking on the roads, there would be trouble, so we had to cut that out right away," he said.

The Road Safety Unit of the Ministry of Transport and Works has also got involved. They will send a team to events to educate partygoers about the dangers of alcoholic consumption before driving, and the importance of having a designated driver.

As vice-president of the Negril Chamber of Commerce (NCC) and chairperson of the Negril Events Committee, Neikesha Kozaruch corresponds regularly with police in the town. But for a "few minor glitches", she agreed with Perkins that traffic-wise ATI 2010 "was far better than previous years".

Kozar and new NCC president Derrick Salmon hope similar attention will be given to traffic delinquency in Negril when the parties are over.

"There are a number of traffic issues that need to be dealt with, especially speeding," said Salmon.

Perkins acknowledged that speeding is a problem along the Norman Manley strip. He also said the town has its share of road fatalities but was unable to say how many.

Kozar and Salmon said the NCC was working with the National Works Agency on implementing safety-first measures, such as legal crossings and traffic lights in Negril. This project will be funded by the International Development Bank.