Youth group condemns violence at party

The Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network (JYAN) says it “strongly condemns” the violence at a recent event in St Ann, and is calling on entertainment organisers to urgently review and strengthen event security measures.

In a release, the JYAN urged promoters to ensure that staffing levels and safety protocols are strictly proportional to patron turnout.

“While youth-centred entertainment spaces play a vital role in social connection, mental well-being, and local culture, patron safety must remain the top priority,” the JYAN said. The entity noted that the entertainment sector provides many tangible benefits for young people, including opportunities for entrepreneurship, “from party organisers to DJs, as well as avenues for creative young people to develop their craft and achieve success”.

“This is something we should all be proud of and want to preserve for generations to come,” the group opined. “Young people also make up a significant portion of the patrons at these events. It is therefore important to protect them from harm in these spaces of amusement.”

The JYAN added, “The feeling of being unsafe in different areas of Jamaican life robs many of our young people of the opportunity to fully enjoy their country and, for some, is even a motivating factor for leaving Jamaica with their talents and contributions to building this country.”

The group said that following video footage which shows dense crowds with no visible security presence, it emphasised that large-scale event promoters must establish clear risk-management strategies that are communicated to the public.

“Security personnel should be stationed in easily accessible locations where patrons can quickly seek assistance, and transparent emergency protocols must be established,” the group said, calling for local and central government authorities to prioritise security support and consider subsidising the costs associated with meeting enhanced security requirements, while also enforcing strict security standards to which all event promoters should adhere.

Beyond private security measures, JYAN highlighted what it called broader systemic issues surrounding youth safety in nightlife and entertainment spaces. This includes mandatory training for venue staff and security personnel in conflict de-escalation, basic first aid, and trauma-informed emergency response.

“Entertainment is not just about fun; it is enterprise, a means of social mobility, a vehicle for preserving our local culture, and a source of relief from the often harsh realities of life. It is therefore incumbent upon us to recognise the security of these spaces as a matter of public concern and a policy priority.”