One-stop permit proposal welcomed by promoters

Party promoters are welcoming the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) proposal to finally implement a one-stop online event permit process, which they believe will ease the hassle for organisers and create a more efficient system for applications and approvals.

Speaking with THE WEEKEND STAR earlier this week, Ibrahim 'IB' Konteh, promoter of Strictly 2K and Afro Soca Jam, welcomed the process, noting the broad consensus surrounding its implementation.

"I like it. It's actually the third time it's been proposed [from both the People's National Party (PNP) and the JLP]. And the fact that both parties support the move, it means that whoever forms the government, it will be happening. So it's a great move, great development, and it's something that was more than needed," said Konteh, who also serves as the deputy general secretary for the PNP Patriots, the young professional arm of the party.

The JLP's 2025 manifesto promises a 24/7 portal and app to streamline event-permit applications. A standardised rule, applicable islandwide, will address long-standing challenges caused by varying parish requirements. For Konteh, this will reduce the frustration promoters face when navigating the process. The one-stop-shop system is also expected to introduce smart QR permits that law enforcement can scan.

For Andrew Bellamy, managing director of I Love Soca and Yard Mas, the proposal is like music to his ears.

"This is a much-welcomed initiative. For decades, the process has been tedious and time-consuming because of the multi-agency visits and submission points. I am excited to see this idea that's been a discussion topic for years, to finally being streamlined for our entertainment and cultural industry stakeholders," said Bellamy, who is also a former JLP councillor for the Mona Division. He stated that a massive education campaign will be required to align all stakeholders, agencies, and authorities with the new system.

Though questioning the timing, Scott Dunn, group managing director of Dream Entertainment, also sees the benefits.

"I think the one-stop online event permit is a good idea... . It's actually been done before (during COVID-19) ... so it's really not a novel idea. My frustration is, why wasn't it continued, and why are we only being promised this again, the week before the general election?" he asked.

Noting that he believes the entertainment industry faces bigger challenges than permits, Dunn highlighted the benefits for smaller promoters, who, he said, at times receive wrong information from the relevant agencies.

Speaking of these smaller players, Konteh said that the initiative could encourage aspiring promoters, strengthen the industry for existing players, and even attract more international brands to Jamaica.

"There were many initiatives done during COVID-19 for the entertainment industry, and at the table you have the major players who host festivals, large-scale and medium-size events. But they hardly included persons who have their weekly round-robins, bar parties, weekly street dances, etc; and they contribute more to the municipal councils on a weekly and monthly [basis] than those large festival/event promoters like myself," he said.

He also called for broader consultation - ensuring these "regular promoters" are included - and a review of the associated fees. While the manifesto promises an instant cost calculator to show organisers the overall fees upfront, Konteh hopes there are plans to adjust the charges.

"Reviewing the fees for each municipality should be their first step. The fees are draconian and exorbitant, and they are making it harder and harder for event promoters to keep our budget and ticket prices at an affordable rate, and make it harder to host events. Because, while it's a business, it's also a service we're doing, because we are the vibes capital a di worl'," Konteh said.

He added, "People are partying less; therefore, less tickets are being sold, less sponsorships, and the costs are still going up."