How can we make Jamaica better? How can we make the reggae/dancehall events a better tourism product?

Question

Right now i am sitting in Las Vegas looking out a window, and watching the city alive. Its 5:30am. Its been alive like this ALL NIGHT. Now i am going to watch the sunrise

In Jamaica they are talking c**p bout 2:00am limits and i am wondering what the h**l are they talking about?

What are some of the things that Jamaicans and the govt can do to make our nighttime culture better for local and tourist patrons alike? Personally i think Passa Passa nd Bembe have been the most positive international products to come out of Kingston in a LONG time. But more needs to be done. I've never even BEEN to Bembe because its too EARLY for me.

What do you think?

Answer 1

My thoughts on the matter of 2 AM  begin quite personally...

I want to sleep!!

…to get up in the morning and go to work on time.  While they are clinging to their guns in the dancehall i'm home clinging to my faith and praying for a power cut!

Its not that I don’t want the dancehall product... I just think it has to come with social conscience that man cannot live by dancehall alone.  

The problem is infrastructure is not accommodating the industry. We need areas where the session can thrive without jeopardizing the peace of everyone else.  People should be able to go to 'A Session' and then retire.... leaving it behind without having to integrate it in there every day life.

To this end I suggest... more thoughtful architecture for social spaces that contain the sound, better transportation to and from events through planning and a healthy respect and encouragement for small to midsize events.  

Dancehall music doesn’t have to connote a smokey open space with gigantic speakers and flailing limbs.  There can be the soloist in the park or the band at Victoria pier.  It can be the 'how to made the music' experience: tours of famous studios or places from trench town to roses lane (or whatever its called) It can be theatre and exhibits... books and discussion forums for CD launches... giving tourist more than just a listening experience but a chance to engage the industry.  Give tourists information and maps so they can discover the country.

I think the government needs to not just support infrastructure... but build products themselves…. foster an understanding of it in music appreciation in schools... so we can relate to it in the grander scheme of things juxtaposed with classical forms.  

Ultimately the gain here is to grow the culture from within the minds and actions of people... as opposed to some random infusion reliant on abstract concepts like inspiration and talent (not that those aren’t good but they shouldnt be the only things)

Finally I think it is important to promote it and other art forms abroad... through our embassies/consul through out the world.  Why wait till they come to show it to them... let them sample it at home... build an appetite.  I was never interested in Africa until African print and nappy hair became visible nor was I interested in the Dutch before amstel, gouda and wooden shoes!

And just to add... I have a high respect for Kingston live music scene as well as the poetry movement.  Passa Passa and Bembe are in my opinion not the MOST positive thing...

Answer 2

I think having a 2a.m. curfew for events that are held within close proximity to residential areas and one held at an entertainment complex designed to stay open until the last person leaves are two different issues.

It is only right that events such as Passa Passa do not impede with the daily activities of the people in that particular community.  I've seen where people have a lot of problems going through the Passa Passa crowd on their way to work.  This should not be the case and the police should be authorized to clear the roadways so that people can go about their businesses.  I've also heard of a driver being killed by the crowd after he either hit someone or turned over a pot of soup...I can't remember which.  In any case, that is just plain crazy!

Las Vegas was built to be alive at 5:30a.m. so whoever chooses to live there is usually aware of the situation.  When I'm trying to get some sleep after a hard day at work, I don't expect to be kept awake by boom boxes until 5:30a.m. (at least not on a regular basis).

I know Passa Passa provides a lucrative business venue for vendors and has been extremely successful for the  promoters and sponsors; but how exactly does it positively impact the majority of the people and the community?  

I'd love to see an open-air market that is opened until about midnight.  It could have crafts area, ground provisions area, food area and entertainment area (music, rides, stage shows etc.).  This market should be well patrolled in order to create a safe environment for locals and visitors alike.  It is also a chance to combine the best of Jamaica (food, music and people) without the sterilization that's done by all-inclusive hotels.

Having regular events like a monthly Hellshire Midnight Fish Fry where you have patrons come and hang out on the beach and enjoy fish done all kinds of ways while either listening to music or watching a stage show.  

Or an open air theatre where patrons can enjoy popular plays during the summer months.  This would expose more people than usual (both locals and visitors) to Jamaican theatre and vice versa.

Answer 3

u can make jamaica better by legalizing weed id come there

Answer 4

They need to let tourist feel safe there..not tell them to be in at 2 a.m.

Maybe they are drinking too much 120 proof rum at night  :>) !

Answer 5

Jamaica has corrupt government at all levels.  As a result, they have extreme poverty and crime.  Until that changes, you will not see a thriving tourist industry.

Answer 6

Well if you have never been to bembe mi a tell yuh, you are missing a lot. Mi guh a few times when mi did deh dere and mi full joy mi self. It did sell off even though it is early. You should check it out for real.

Answer 7

when i saw the heading i thought not closing at 2am...i mean i went to margaritaville on saturday and it was cool sure didnt close at 2am but it realy isnt logical to have to parties close at 2 in mobay everyone is like just leaving out at 1:30 everyone who is planning to spend and really have a good time. not too sure what they should do but 12 in the weekdays and 2 on weekdays really isnt the answer...hey u shouldnt be telling us what happening in vegas man. i thought "WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS STAYS IN VEGAS"...LOL