No dance, stage show permitted along hip strip

Rasbert Turner, Portmore Star Writer

The police in Portmore said that no music at any dance or stage show will be permitted along Port Henderson Road, more popularly known as 'Back Road', due to constant breaches of the Noise Abatement Act and other breaches.

Deputy Superintendent Clive Blair, the operations officer for the St Catherine South Division, under which Portmore falls, told THE PORTMORE STAR that anyone caught keeping dances will be prosecuted. "We have set up meetings to deal with the problem of noise disturbing several residents. However, only three persons turned up; as a result, we took steps to let them understand," Blair said.

He continued that residents in Edgewater and surrounding communities have been complaining about the noise and the issue cannot be taken lightly.

For the last several months, many people have been arrested, taken before the court and fined for breaching the Noise Abatement Act in the division. Blair said with dialogue things can work out better for all concerned.

David Parkes, the chief executive officer at the Portmore Municipal Council, told THE PORTMORE STAR that the council is in agreement with the decision taken by the police.

"Although we just became aware, based on what is happening on the strip, that there is no insurance to cover some eventualities; we welcome that initiative," Parkes said.

Earlier this year a shooting incident marred a show at one of the venues at Back Road. One man was shot dead during the incident.