Tighter Security at Denbigh this Year

Measures are being put in place by the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) to have tighter security and to streamline the activities at the annual staging of the Denbigh Agricultural and Industrial Show to be held from July 30 to August 1 at the showgrounds in Clarendon.
Kingsley Clarke, First Vice President of the JAS told JIS News that changes have been made to the security arrangements this year, which are expected to result in a better show for all involved.
“Last year we used two security companies, this year we’re using three to make certain that we get the best security that we possibly can,” Mr. Clarke said. In addition, he pointed out that exhibitors’ vehicles would not be allowed into the compound as they were moving to rectify problems that were encountered in this area last year.
“We’re asking exhibitors to make certain that they set up from early and those who have to take additional supplies in, we’re making arrangements that those vehicles will be able to come onto the compound and get off,” Mr. Clarke explained.
He added that a meeting was also held with the exhibitors on Friday, July 22 on the showgrounds to explain the changes, and to ensure that they were comfortable with the arrangements. He noted that a company was contracted last year to manage the gate and for the first time the JAS was able to earn a profit. This company, he said, would be contracted again this year. Mr. Clarke said that for the first time, an exhibitor’s manual has been printed, which outlines their rights and privileges at the show as well as the expectations by the JAS. He pointed out that participants in the show would be clustered this year, with those selling food being placed in a food court. They would also establish a general exhibit area, a kiddies area and a designated area for small vendors.
He stressed that these vendors needed to finalize payment for the show before it commenced, as no money would be collected during the show.
Mr. Clarke said the speakers’ forum would be much better co-ordinated this year, where persons could now visit a tent to listen to presentations on agricultural issues and to ask questions.
“Denbigh is really shaping up. It is the 110th anniversary of the JAS and the 53rd staging of the show this year … and we’re putting the necessary things in place to ensure that patrons can come in and enjoy themselves,” he said.