Left: This patron gets her groove on at an Appleton May Daze party. Right: These females were certainly enjoying themselves at one of the Rum Punch all-inclusive party parties. - Winston Sill

With the state of emergency extended until July 22, party promoters are hoping that their events can still be kept without a hitch.

This week, Parliament gave approval for the limited state of emergency which has been in effect since May 23 in Kingston and St Andrew to continue until July 22, this time including neighbouring St Catherine. The state of emergency had originally been announced to last for one month, after the siege on west Kingston, unless revoked or extended by Parliament.

When THE STAR previously contacted Derrick 'Cowboy' Knight, head of the Half-Way Tree police, he explained that for his division no permission for events held after 6 p.m. would be granted until things were back to normal. Under the state of emergency, party promoters have been feeling the brunt of the burden as to whether their events can and will be kept.

The event, May Daze, did not fare well during the 'emergency period', having missed out on two weeks from their party series. When THE STAR spoke to May Daze promoter Dwayne Harris yesterday, he explained that the final May Daze, which they were hoping to have when the state of emergency was scheduled to end in June, has been postponed indefinitely.

no permits

Harris elaborated that they were in contact with police officials who explained that no permits would be granted for events beyond midnight. He said, "we just haffi call a spade a spade and promise patrons that we're planning something grand that May Daze supporters will enjoy. It's something Jamaica hasn't seen before."

The event, Music for Life, which was to be held this Saturday, has also been postponed indefinitely.

Good Times is back on for this Saturday at the Mas Camp after having been postponed from May 29 due to the unrest. One of the promoters, Jerome Hamilton, said: "from all indications, we will have the permits for the event, we have been in constant dialogue with the police and all looks well. I'm not sure if this will be the first outdoor event staged since the state of emergency, but people are looking forward to it."

According to Hamilton, they are imploring persons to come out earlier and assure them that extra security will be provided for their safety.

The promoters of Solstice, which will be held this Saturday at The Royal Jamaica Yatcht Club in Port Royal, are optimistic despite the extended state of emergency.

When THE STAR spoke to Solstice promoter Horace Britton, he explained that the state of emergency should not affect their keeping the event, but it might affect the turnout of patrons.

He said, "when we heard about the state of emergency being extended all the promoters were on the phone with each other discussing what can be done, and thus far nobody has postponed their event ... it might affect the turnout because people might be scared to come out during this time but you know is just a mindset."

Despite this, Britton promises patrons that Solstice will provide a fun night with top-class entertainment and decor.

Rum Punch, which will be held this Sunday at Temple Hall Estate, is still on, according to promoter Greg Henry.

According to Henry, the promoters are still in the process of getting their permits from the police but are hopeful that it will all work out. "We're definitely encouraging people to come 'cause it's still on, so they should come out and enjoy the vibe," he said.