WRHA ready to address health issues at Reggae Sumfest
Published:Friday | July 18, 2025 | 12:11 AMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Dr Delroy Fray, the clinical coordinator for the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), says that St James Health Services, to include the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH), is equipped and ready to give proper medical assistance during this weekend’s annual staging of the Reggae Sumfest.
Speaking to The Gleaner on Thursday, Fray said that the WRHA’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis has prepared the parish’s medical personnel for any issues that may arise during Sumfest, which is in its 33rd year of staging.
“The worst shock we have ever had was COVID-19, and we were able to navigate it. For something like Sumfest, we can manage anything that happens from that event, although hopefully nothing will happen. Our two operating theatres at the CRH are fully functional, and we have access to two more theatres at the Falmouth Public Hospital in Trelawny, so we are fully equipped to deal with any adverse effect from the Sumfest activities,” said Fray.
"At the site for Sumfest itself, you must have a health team available to deal with any problems on-site, but we are gearing our accident and emergency ward to receive any information from there. I know that a medical team will be resident at the location, although I do not know the full complement of that team,” said Fray.
“When you have an event like that, you have to have an ambulance there, and nurses and doctors, and a little cubicle to deal with any emergency. That is usually part of the arrangements for the persons who organise the event, but we usually facilitate them,” he added.
In terms of personal preparedness by Sumfest attendees, Fray is recommending that patrons should seek to be properly hydrated as part of the effort to combat the summer heat, avoid heacy consumption of alcohol, and to exercise COVID-19 safety measures.
“Although currently we are not seeing an increased number of COVID-19 cases, for people who are travelling from abroad, we just do not know their status, so I would advise patrons to still wear their masks,” said Fray. “Also, it is very hot, and they must remain hydrated, because in that thick crowd with that heat, hydration is going to be absolutely important.”
“Of course, they must be careful in their actions, because in situations like this people get intoxicated, so I would advise them to be cautious in how you enjoy yourselves because it could have adverse effects,” added Fray.
Fray also noted that the CRH has 40 available bedspaces out of its maximum capacity of 354, in case Sumfest patrons need to be hospitalised. He said that an additional 21 bedspaces could potentially be found if the hospital’s ‘social cases,’ who currently occupy beds were sent home.
The 2025 Reggae Sumfest staging, which began on Sunday, July 13, is expected to have its two main events on Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19, at the Catherine Hall Stadium in Montego Bay.