While not condoning the violence, Bowen expressed disappointment with the actions of the police. He noted that in the four months since he started 'Japzy Thursday', it has been incident free in what is considered a volatile community.

"It is not really about me, it is about the people,' said Bowen. "This is a place where people feel safe and secure. If you lose your phone and you make an announcement, the person who find it just bring it back. It is just a good vibe thing for the people."

Deputy Superintendent of Police, Paul Stanton, who was among the security personnel seeking to restore order, said their action was a part of the drive to enforce the Noise Abatement Act.

"We had a press conference last week where we warned the various promoters about our new resolve to clamp down on night noise," said Deputy Superintendent Stanton.

At the press conference last week, Superintendent Steve McGregor and Area One divisional commander, Assistant Commissioner Clifford Blake, told some 30 sound system operators, promoters and owners of entertainment venues, that the flexibility they previously enjoyed would be curtailed.

The police say that no event will be allowed to progress beyond the cut-off times of midnight during the week and 2 a.m. on weekends.

Protestors lit debris on Railway Lane in Montego Bay to protest the shutting down of Japsy Thursday, a weekly dance in the city. - Richard Morais photos