The Jamaica government has dismissed social media reports that citizens would be prevented from hosting parties during the Christmas season as the country recovers from the October 28 onslaught by Hurricane Melissa that killed at least 45 people and left nine billion (US) dollars in damages.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness responding to the rumours circulating on social media warned that misinformation has the potential to undermine public order. ‘There are those people.who are vested in telling you lies to mislead you. For what reason? I don’t know. Maybe they want the country to descend in chaos. They don’t like to see law and order,’ he said.
Holness, who was speaking with residents at a hurricane shelter during the Prime Minister’s Christmas Treat over the last weekend, encouraged entertainment activities, emphasising though that such events must be properly organised and aligned with public safety requirements.
‘The police have said that they will give permits for parties so long as the promoters make the proper arrangements,’ Holness said, outlining several practical considerations that organisers must address, particularly in communities still facing infrastructural challenges.
‘Some places don’t have light, so if you’re going to keep a party, you have to put up light. You have to get one generator, people have to have water [to] use bathroom facilities,’ he said, underscoring the need to safeguard patrons.
‘Some of the entertainment areas are sometimes targeted by criminals, and therefore, you have to prepare for the safety of the patrons. So, you need to arrange for security.
‘The government wants communities to return to normal, and therefore, go back to your business. Having parties and dances are part of the business to return the community to business,’ he added.
Prime Minister Holness also cautioned residents to be mindful of the information they consume, particularly on social media platforms.
‘Information is like food, if you consume bad food, it will make your body unhealthy. If you consume bad information, it will make your mind unhealthy,’ he said, warning that false claims could influence poor decision-making.
Local Government and Community Development Minister, Desmond McKenzie, also refuted the rumours circulating online, reiterating that once the relevant authorities grant approval, citizens are free to proceed with their events, adding that the misinformation stemmed from confusion about guidance that applied only to the activities of government organizations.
‘Anybody here, once the municipal corporation and the police agree and you can find light, every Jamaican can have their party. What was said only goes for government and not for the wider Jamaica. It is mischief. Once the police and the municipal corporation grant the permission, you are free to party until you say when,’ he added.