Adrian Frater, News Editor

Peter Tosh - File

Western Bureau

The Westmoreland police have rejected an application by promoter Worrell King to stage the annual 'Tribute to Peter Tosh' concert beside the mausoleum of the late reggae superstar.

The mausoleum is located on the grounds of his family home in Belmont, Westmoreland.

Number of reasons

In a letter dated October 3, 2008, which was addressed to King, commanding officer for the Westmoreland Police Division, Superintendent Maurice Robinson, stated a number of reasons the application for the show, which is slated for Saturday, October 18, was rejected.

The reasons outlined were as follows: (1) That the premises is unfit for the purpose on the grounds that there is insufficient areas for parking and this will pose serious traffic congestion. (2) That the premises for which the application is made is so situated that it cannot be under effective control. (3) That the divisional officer in his discretion considers it sufficient in the interest of good order, public safety and the welfare of the community that the application be refused.

However, the Westmoreland Parish Council (WPC), which has had a change of heart has decided to grant King permission to stage the event at Independence Park, in Savanna-la-Mar. The WPC had initially rejected King's application to use the park.

Trials and tribulation

"There have been a lot of trials and tribulation in trying to settle on a venue but we are eternally committed to this project so we had to find a venue," said King. "We have to give thanks to the parish council for reconsidering and allowing us to use Independence Park."

However, for the residents of Belmont, who were looking forward to the return of the event, which has been staged in their community between 1990 and 2004, the police's rejection of King's application was a stinging blow.

"We were all happy when we heard the show was returning," said Ras Dizzy, who has fond memories of growing up with Tosh. "I am not surprised ... the same way they fight against him in life is the same way they fighting against him in death."

In a bid to reflect Tosh's musical philosophy, King has assembled a list of top-flight roots singer for the event. Among the acts confirmed are Bush Man, Tosh's son Andrew, Lutan Fyah, Natural Black, Bunny Wailers' daughter Sensi Love, Aqu Barrett - son of famed Wailers drummer Carlton Barrett; and Edi Fitzroy, who has never missed a 'Tribute to Peter Tosh.'

An added attraction this year will be video footage featuring Tosh in concert, which will be shown on big screen prior to the start of the show at 8:00 p.m.

Worrell King, promoter of Western Consciousness and Tribute to Peter Tosh. - File