The Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) will be spending some $3.5 million on security arrangements for this year's Denbigh Agricultural and Industrial Show.
Chairman of the Gates and Security Committee, Kingsley Clarke, informed that providing effective security was paramount in ensuring the smooth running of the event.
He noted that the security arrangements would be similar to those of last year, as the committee would be acquiring the services of two private security firms to provide support to the police whom, he assured, would be out in full force.
Police in full force
"We have had meetings with security personnel including the police and they have indicated to us that they [the police] will be out in full force," he stated.
Mr. Clarke explained that each of the private security company would be assigned specific duties, which include manning gates, securing ticket offices, maintaining a presence on the grounds, monitoring car parks and patrolling perimeter fences.
On the matter of parking, he assured that a large parking area would be available and that all vehicles parked in the designated facility would be safe, as security guards would be marshalling the area.
Meanwhile, the organisers have moved to address the problem of street vending, which has been a traffic nuisance over the years. Vending zones have been created on the showground, but to access the facilities, vendors must have in hand, a picture identification, which will be provided by the organisers.
Compliance Unit
"We are going to have a compliance unit which comprises the police, security guards and persons employed to assist. They will ensure that people are in their designated areas and if they do not comply, they will be asked to leave the premises," Mr. Clarke emphasised.
The annual Denbigh Agricultural Show will be held from August 5 to 7 in May Pen, Clarendon. The main objectives of the event are to promote the agricultural sector, display the best foods produced in Jamaica and highlight the importance of agriculture to the national economy and export sector.
