This couple enjoyed every bit of Bembe Thursday at Weekendz on Thursday, June 7. The weekly party celebrated its first anniversary two weeks ago and is on in full swing, regardless of the violence.

Sadeke Brooks, Gleaner Writer

Parties have always been a big part of the Jamaican entertainment scene and the increase in criminal activities, especially murders, will not be enough to stop people from going out this season.

The murder figure so far this year has risen to above 1,400, which is more than the total murders committed for 2006, but the police say there are other reasons, like limited funds, which are preventing people from going to the different entertainment events.

"There are no complaints that people are not going to parties due to any crime situation," says Inspector Steve Brown of Operation Kingfish.

Crimes that occur at parties are not normally murders, but include robbery and assault. Stone Love selector G-Fuss says these things are still not enough to prevent people from going out during the holidays.

Not safe anywhere

"It (crime) nuh affect partying, 'cause wi see di output at the parties; dem get good support. People will always find a way fi go party, even when certain area a war," says G-Fuss.

"More time yuh jus' deh at the wrong place at the wrong time, but crime naah go stop me from party 'cause mi nuh safe nowhere," said Oneil, a taxi driver from Kingston.

Isaiah Laing of Supreme Promotions says he does not believe any increase in crime will prevent people from attending 'Guinness Sting', which has been dubbed 'The Greatest One-Night Reggae Show on Earth'.

"Sting is one show that people save dem money to attend 'cause you get everything in one package. People from as far as Australia, Japan and Germany come to Sting. We had 30,000 patrons last year and I am expecting the same turnout or more. And the security is tight," said the confident promoter.

However, not everyone is hyped up about parties for this holiday season.

"It is going to affect it (partying). Look at the UTech student that got killed. It makes you frightened and people are scared. Government has to come with a crime plan but the public doesn't expect an instant solution, but at least a plan to say that crime will be reduced by next year or a couple years from now," said co-author of Reggae Routes, Kevin O'Brien Chang.

It was reported in The Sunday Gleaner on December 16, 2007, that Deandra Morris, a 21-year-old student of the University of Technology (UTech), was shot and killed while in her yard at Market Road in Papine, after returning from a fête on the campus. Another female student was also shot and injured and is receiving treatment at hospital.

A close friend of both females, who is also a university student, says she has no intention of going to any party during the holidays.

"Mi 'fraid from the whole incident. Mi nuh go out since an' mi nuh have any plans fi go out," she said.

Afraid

Dorian says she, too, is afraid of venturing outside the perimeters of her home. However, she says she will not allow this fear to prevent her from attending events. "Jamaica nuh safe. Nowhere nuh safer than the other. It jus' a get worse. Mi waan party heavy, but mi sceptical of the whole party scene. MoBay gone to the dogs fi wi likkle size," the Montego Bay native said in a distressed tone.

DJ Kurt Riley says that he does not expect people to stop going to parties during the holiday season unless they see a pattern with the increase in criminal activities in areas that were generally safe. "If certain things start happening at all-inclusive events then it will give you reason to worry," says Riley.

He also offers some warning to persons wishing to go out this holiday season.

"I just want everybody to be safe. People don't have to know you to not like you. They will see you with your things and want it. Don't be too casual about it, don't think that because you going to a party nothing will happen," he urged.