By Keril Wright, Staff Reporter
WESTERN BUREAU
FANS OF Reggae Sumfest's lucrative Dance Hall Night may be deprived of their entertainment right next year, if the St. James Parish Council passes a resolution seeking to ban it from Sumfest 2002.
However, the Council and Sumfest promoters may have to find a compromise as, according to Sumfest's Executive Director Johnny Gourzong, banning Dance Hall Night is not feasible.
"How could we put on Sumfest without a Dance Hall Night?" Gourzong asked. "It is our best night."
The resolution was forwarded Thursday at the monthly meeting of the Council by the Councilor of the Granville Division, Michael Troupe, who came under heavy criticism last year for speaking out against the sexually explicit DJ, Lady Saw.
Councillor Troupe called for a one-year ban, citing the violence that marred the festival Thursday night, leaving several persons injured and creating additional international bad press for Jamaica.
"I would like to see them ban it next year for one year," Troupe told reporters yesterday after the Council meeting. Troupe's resolution will be taken to the next meeting of the Physical Planning and Environment Committee on September 6, where it will be discussed and sent to the next Council meeting.
At present the promoters of Sumfest are required to obtain an amusement license which outlines the regulations that should be adhered to.
The license however speaks only to safety regulations and adherence to the Noise Abatement Act. If the resolution is passed the regulations would be extended to include moral guidelines outlined in Troupe's resolution.
The stipulations spoke to sexual gyration on stage by children, the chanting of graphic lyrics, ganja and cocaine smoking and banning local and foreign artists known for outlandish behaviour.
