St James police urge public cooperation for Reggae Sumfest 2025

Commanding Officer for the St James Police Division, Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels, is calling for cooperation from the public as the parish hosts the 2025 staging of Reggae Sumfest, which has already started with “no major incidents” reported.

In a statement issued on Thursday, SSP Samuels welcomed patrons to St James and the internationally acclaimed music festival, and outlined key safety measures that will be in effect throughout the event.

“There are designated parking areas that we want you to utilise to ensure that your vehicle is safe and will be under constant security surveillance,” SSP Samuels said.

He warned that motorists who park on the roadside do so at their own risk.

“If you park on the roadside, you stand the risk of your vehicle being towed or stolen. We cannot guarantee the safety of your vehicle if you do not utilise the designated parking area,” he said. “Also, when you park on the roadway, it allows for the roads to become blocked, as it may become a hindrance to vehicles utilising the roadways.”

Festival-goers are also being reminded to remove valuables from their vehicles and to make use of the authorised parking lots. As part of efforts to ensure public safety, the police will be conducting searches at all entrances to the venue. SSP Samuels stated that offensive weapons will not be permitted and warned that anyone found in possession of such items may face prosecution. “We will be ensuring that every person entering the venue is searched, and if offensive weapons are found, you are liable to be arrested or the weapons confiscated,” he said.

Provisions have been made for licensed firearm holders, with storage facilities available at the venue. “If you are a licensed firearm holder, there is a provision made for storage of your firearm at the venue, and you can collect same when you are about to leave,” SSP Samuels explained.

He encouraged patrons to arrive early to avoid traffic congestion and reiterated the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s commitment to maintaining public order. “Festival Night One is going to be a big one, and we are encouraging patrons to come out early and ensure that you find the designated parking areas to avoid the battle of traffic on the road,” he said.

“We will be committed to your safety by ensuring that we have adequate police personnel working throughout the duration of the festival. We are also ensuring that we have additional patrols in the streets, especially in those hours that you are leaving, so that you can have police presence as you sojourn through the division of St James.”

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