Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter
Superintendent Delroy Hewitt, head of the Kingston West Police Division, says his department will be applying a zero tolerance approach to mass gatherings in the division during the festive season.
The move is to reinforce the ban the Ministry of Health has placed on mass gatherings in light of the malaria outbreak in Denham Town, Tivoli Gardens, Trench Town and Delacree Park, among other communities.
"If we have any knowledge (of mass gatherings) without permit, we will close it down," Superintendent Hewitt told The Gleaner yesterday.
Zero tolerance
"Sometimes we can use our discretion but because of the health hazard, we will have to have a zero tolerance approach," he added
Superintendent Hewitt said his department was given strict instructions from the Ministry of Health not to issue permits to hold events without its authorisation.
He noted that only two permits were given to persons and these were on the border of the affected areas.
Superintendent Hewitt said his department has spoken to the promoters of Passa Passa and they have agreed to discontinue the weekly event until further notice.
Meanwhile, Government on Tuesday welcomed a decision by the Fireworks Organising Committee to postpone the annual fireworks celebration on the Waterfront, in light of the malaria outbreak which climbed to 140 cases on Thursday.
Francis Kennedy, chairman of the Fireworks Organising Committee, said several persons including sponsors and the community have been calling to express their concern about the event which is usually held December 31 to ring in the new year.
event postponed
"Therefore in the interest of public health and safety, the Fireworks Organising Committee, preferring to err on the side of caution, decided to postpone the event until March 2007," said Mr. Kennedy.
At that time, Mr. Kennedy said Fireworks on the Waterfront will be part of the chorus welcoming visitors to the city of Kingston for World Cup Cricket 2007.
"It is a voluntary postponement. (but) at this time we welcome that persons are making decisions in the interest of the country," Dr. Sheila Campbell-Forrester, acting chief medical officer in the Ministry of Health, told The Gleaner.
Malaria facts
Malaria is a life threatening disease which is caused by a parasite transmitted by the female anopheles mosquito. Signs and symptoms of malaria:
Fever (ongoing or on and off)
Sweating
Chills
Headaches
Weakness
Vomiting.
The Ministry of Health has advised residents of affected communities to:
Avoid or limit outdoor activities between nightfall and dawn.
Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks outdoors between nightfall and dawn.
Avoid wearing dark clothes at nights.
Use an insect repellent, containing the chemical deet, on exposed skin.
Close windows before dark, and keep them closed throughout the night.
Sleep under mosquito net.
