The Editor Sir:

As a follow-up to an article in the Gleaner dated November 28, entitled "Sheer Hypocrisy', I would like to use this medium to vent my disgust with these blatant double standards.

On Saturday, November 25, at the Aquasol theme park here in Montego Bay, a well-organised, well-promoted show was stopped immediately after a grand performance by Little Hero.

With Beenie Man, Ninja Man and Movado still to perform, the patrons were informed by the police, through a rather brave M.C. Nuffy, that due to the stipulations of the Noise Abatement Act, the show could not go on any longer.

Now, this is on the 'Hip Strip' of the popular Montego Bay tourist resort town where, while this event was being shut down, the Margueritaville was still in full swing. This event was staged and shut down in the same town as Reggae Sumfest, only further away from residences.

Therefore, I would like to suggest to the authorities that in light of the current economic climate and crime rate, please remember that natives/locals need entertainment just as or maybe more than our meal ticket (the almighty tourist).

Any sociologist worth his salt should know that double standards like these only serve to create frustration and the perception of a deliberate attempt to oppress people who are not considered to be in the middle to upper class of our society, and as such, contribute greatly to some categories of our crime statistics.

The 'authorities' should be cognisant of the fact that certain types of energy have to be vented one way or another. Our stage shows have always provided a healthy channel for this energy.

I am, etc.,

HENSLEY CAMERON

bonfireinc@yahoo.com

Rosemount Gardens

Montego Bay, St. James

Go-Jamaica