The promoters of Sandz, the beach party which triggered a major traffic pile up along the Palisadoes Strip on Monday, have issued a public apology. In a social media posting last evening, Sandz apologized for any inconvenience caused to those affected.
Sandz explained that traffic recommendations were raised and agreed to before permission was granted to use the venue. It said security plans were shared with and approved by all superior bodies consisting of the hiring of police patrol on the strip; the rental of additional parking spaces/shuttle buses; advertising of the designated parking and the placement of adequate signage on the road.
The promoters said despite their efforts there was a breakdown in the enforcement due to non-cooperation of the patrons with the parking arrangements, which in turn led to parking in unauthorized spaces causing the buildup of traffic.
Meanwhile, Police Commissioner George Qualo has submitted a preliminary report to National Security Minister Robert Montague on the incident. The report was submitted last night. However, the Police Commissioner has requested more time to furnish the Minister with a comprehensive report on the matter which has sparked much public outrage. The Minister has given him until Friday for the full report.
The Minister said he wants Commissioner Quallo to specifically outline the conditions surrounding the issuing of the permit, the policing plan that was put in place for the event, and steps that will be taken to hold someone accountable. The National Security Minister said the report will be made public.
Mr Montague said the repercussions are yet to be tabulated, noting that flights were delayed and some passengers missed their flights.
Police Commissioner George Quallo has warned that persons involved in the event are facing possible action. The Commissioner yesterday declared that he has ordered a probe to determine what went wrong operationally and the steps to be taken to prevent a recurrence of the incident.
In a post on his Twitter page yesterday, the Commissioner said the incident was a source of great embarrassment to the management of the police force. Commissioner Quallo said the inconvenience has sullied the image of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and a mere apology will not suffice.
but me hear say a the same thing happen last year, so a who approved permit is to be blamed