Adequate Security for Float Parade and Grand Gala

Adequate security will be in place for this year’s Festival Float Parade and Independence Grand Gala slated for Thursday, August 6.
The events, part of the 47th Independence celebrations, are being held under the theme: ‘Preserving the Positive, Shaping the Future’.
Executive Director of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), Delroy Gordon, speaking at a recent JIS Think Tank, said that in addition to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF), personnel from four security companies will be manning the events.
He said that steps have been taken by the organisers to strengthen some of the weaknesses that were identified last year.
“We’ve learnt from whatever pitfalls there were last year and as such, we have strengthened whatever areas of weaknesses that have been identified,” Mr. Gordon stated.
In the meantime, patrons attending the Independence Grand Gala are being advised to leave all weapons at home or they will not be allowed to enter the National Stadium, where the event will be staged.
“Persons are asked not to take any bottles, umbrellas with long points…absolutely no weapons…no guns, no knives…there’s a police station at the stadium. We ask that persons, if they have to travel with their firearms, leave it there. We want to make sure the event is as incident free as possible,” Mr. Gordon said.