A few people survey some of the damage after Saturday's stampede at Mas Camp on Oxford Road, St. Andrew. - Michael Sloley
THE OPERATORS of Mas Camp on Oxford Road in St. Andrew are considering the venue's future. This is after it saw its first violent incident when Stone Love 29th anniversary dance ended in a stampede last Saturday.
The dance ended prematurely when shots were fired and patrons ran for safety during the stage show segment at about 3:00 a.m.
According to Stanford Cocking, one of Mas Camp's operators, "the directors of Mas Camp and others will be discussing the future of the venue to hold further events".
Mr. Cocking said he was disturbed at the level of indiscipline of the people. "This gun-trigger, cowboy, Texas Ranger attitude must stop. What happened at Mas Camp (last Saturday) is what is happening in the wider society.
"I am surprised at what happened, because this is not the first time Stone Love was having a session there. They have had about six other sessions since the start of the year and the discipline was just good," he said.
Mr. Cocking added that there was no way one could say the music being played that night led to the incident. "I was there; there were no gun lyrics played. People were enjoying themselves. It is so bad that an idiot in the place decided to behave disgracefully," he said.
Show promoter Errol Wonder said Saturday's event should not affect any future events at Mas Camp.
"People will understand this is only one unfortunate incident and Mas Camp has had a good track record and that's how it will be judged. Everyone knows that you will have somebody irresponsible do something. It should not be a problem for future events," he said.
Michael Barnett, one of the promoters of the Heineken Startime series of shows, said he hoped the incident will die down. "People will understand certain shows will not end in such a situation.
"We have had 10 events and never had a problem. We feel it is the most secure venue in Kingston and we are asking our patrons to continue to support Mas Camp. The operators have the best intention of providing the Corporate Area with the best venue," Mr. Barnett added.
The last show held at Mas Camp before Stone Love's anniversary party was a dancehall session with Firelinks and Metromedia, promoted by actor Carl Bradshaw. It was held the previous day.
Other events slated for Mas Camp over the festive season include 'Stainless', set for tomorrow; 'Main Event', a vintage show, slated for December 27 and a triple bill from December 28 to 30, featuring dancehall, oldies and soca, Mr. Cocking said.
