LOCKDOWN! - Residents protest as police enforce 'night noise' act in Montego Bay

By Adrian Frater, STAR Writer

Police maintain a strong presence on Barnett Street in Montego Bay after protestors blocked the road.

Western Bureau

Anarchy reigned in downtown Montego Bay, St James, yesterday morning as patrons who attended the popular 'Japzy Thursday' party in the Barnett Lane community reacted angrily to the police's decision to lock-off the session at midnight.

Irate residents and patrons lit tyres and old household items along Barnett Street and at other strategic locations across the second city, causing traffic to back-up for several miles. Numerous persons on their way to work were forced to abandon their vehicles and walk long distances to their respective work places.

"Now we want to go to work and look what ugly cause," said an elderly woman, as the taxi in which she was travelling stopped along the Tucker Irwin main road. "This is madness, eno. Country can't run like this."

'Turn Right' with the Federation Dancers

Denise Reid, Freelance Writer

Montego Bay's Federation Dancers, (from left) Kemar, Rockan, Fresh, Troy and Baby Boi pose for our camera. (Group member Kevin is missing). - Denise Reid

Entertaining throngs of people with their hit move, 'Right Turn', Flankers-based Federation dancers have the ability to mesmerise everyone around them.

It may be their unusual sense of fashion: trendy sunglasses, chunky gold chains, necklaces made of rubber bands. But when Fresh, Kemar, Rockan, Troy, Kevin and Baby Boi step into a room, they are quick to get attention.

"Once you're in the world of entertainment, it's all about fashion. Clothes no look good pon you; a you mek de clothes look good," Kemar told The STAR.

Teino Evans, Staff Reporter

Patrons enjoy the vibes at a recent Dutty Fridaze, held at Fletchers Land square. - Nathaniel Stewart

Promoters of weekly street dances have said that they are unable to survive under the current new conditions regarding enforcement of the Noise Abatement Act.

A number of them have been feeling the pinch in their pockets, as many have recorded losses since the police began to enforce the 2 a.m. cut-off time.

One promoter, who declined to have his name published, says, "With the Noise Abatement Act, there are things that promoters and people in general still don't understand. During the week, the permit says until 12 o' clock and on Saturday it goes until 2 o' clock."