FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2025
The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), through its Sports and Entertainment Development Committee (SEDC), is deeply concerned about the persistent logistical and infrastructural challenges surrounding the hosting of large-scale entertainment and sporting events in Jamaica—particularly along the high-traffic corridors between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. The recent traffic standstill observed during Reggae Sumfest in mid-July and similar disruptions during the Emancipation and Independence weekend festivities in Discovery Bay and other areas of St. Ann are clear indicators of systemic gaps that need urgent national attention.
In addition to these issues in northern Jamaica, the recurring traffic congestion around the National Stadium during major events further underscores the need for better traffic planning and coordination. These persistent challenges highlight the broader need for properly zoned and managed event spaces islandwide.
Accordingly, we recommend the Government’s consideration and adoption of the following strategic initiatives:
Establishment of Designated Entertainment and Sports Zones
Identify and develop properly planned zones in key regions of the island designed specifically to host large-scale events. These should include adequate road networks, public transportation options, traffic management systems, secure parking, and sanitation facilities to ensure safe and efficient movement of patrons.
Legislative and Policy Reform for Event Hosting
Update existing legislation and introduce clear, enforceable guidelines for the staging of events. This includes entry/egress protocols, crowd control requirements, noise management, and clearly defined roles and responsibilities across ministries and agencies. These frameworks must be responsive to both local and international visitor expectations.
Incentive Regimes to Attract Private Sector Investment
Implement tax incentives, duty concessions, and streamlined permitting processes to encourage private investors to build and manage entertainment infrastructure—whether through public-private partnerships or fully private ventures.
Integrated National Event Infrastructure Plan
Develop a long-term, cross-ministerial infrastructure investment plan to support Jamaica’s entertainment and sports ecosystem. This includes expanding road networks, introducing shuttle systems for major events, and digital ticketing and permitting platforms to improve efficiency and coordination.
Maximizing Tourism and GDP Contributions
Events like Carnival, Dream Weekend, and Reggae Sumfest attract thousands of international visitors, many of whom consider these events a primary reason for travel to Jamaica. With improved infrastructure and policy frameworks, the sector could conservatively contribute over 2–3% of GDP annually, while further boosting foreign direct investment and diaspora engagement. However, continued inefficiencies, such as those observed recently, may begin to deter tourists and locals alike from attending, threatening long-term viability and economic returns.
Jamaica is globally revered for its rich culture, music, and sporting talent. Events like Reggae Sumfest, Dream Weekend, and Carnival bring in tens of thousands of patrons each year and represent multi-billion-dollar economic potential for our nation. For example, Dream Weekend 2015 reportedly generated about J$1.5 billion in economic activity, spanning tourism, hospitality, transportation, retail, and creative industries. Similarly, Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has reported that Carnival in Jamaica generated an estimated J$95.4 billion in total economic impact and supported approximately 115,247 full-time equivalent jobs across various sectors in 2024.
These events not only drive tourism and foreign exchange but also create jobs, stimulate MSME growth, and support community-based economic activity. However, the full realization of their economic potential is being undermined by inadequate infrastructure, lack of designated event zones, and absence of a coherent national framework to manage the growth of the entertainment and sports sectors in a productive and sustainable way.
“We call on the Government to seriously engage the private sector to ensure that this vital industry grows with a vision and proper planning as we continue to grow our overall tourism industry,” said Chairman of the SEDC, Dave Cameron. He said it is only through meaningful collaboration that both the private and public sectors can unlock the full economic potential and avoid repeating the avoidable missteps of the past.
Jamaica has an opportunity to convert its world-class cultural capital into sustainable economic growth—but only if we create the enabling environment for that growth. The PSOJ believes that with the right mix of infrastructure development, policy modernization, and strategic investment, the sports and entertainment industries can become even more powerful engines of GDP growth, job creation, and national pride.
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Media Contact:
Andrew Laidley
Public Relations and Marketing Executive
Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ)
andrewl@psoj.org
(876) 809-2617