With just one day to go before the 32nd staging of Reggae Sumfest, the St James Police Division—led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Eron Samuels—is making it clear: profanity on stage will not be tolerated. In a stern warning issued to performers, the police said they are prepared to enforce Section 9C of the Towns and Communities Act, which allows for fines or jail time for the use of expletives in public spaces. “We have warned the promoters to warn the persons performing to desist from doing that,” SSP Samuels said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer. “So we will have that zero-tolerance approach, as always.”
Promoters and artiste management teams have reportedly agreed to the guidelines, signalling a coordinated effort to keep performances clean throughout the highly anticipated festival. With headliners such as Toni Braxton, Vybz Kartel, Masicka, Tarrus Riley, Protoje, Bugle, and Tommy Lee Sparta confirmed for the main nights at Catherine Hall, tensions are high regarding how performers will balance their raw artistry with legal restrictions. “Their management teams are in support of it. So we are hoping that we won’t have any issues regarding that this year,” Samuels added.
Meanwhile, the police have ramped up logistical preparations to manage the massive influx of patrons expected in Montego Bay. According to SSP Samuels, operations are “far advanced” with special focus on traffic flow and crowd safety. “We have all the requisite plans, orders, permits… more than enough police officers taken from all across the country,” he said. Patrons are strongly advised to use the designated parking areas, as vehicles left outside these zones may not be protected from theft. “We are asking members of the public to park their vehicles in the designated areas,” Samuels urged.
As the countdown begins for what is widely regarded as “The Greatest Reggae Show on Earth,” fans are eager for electrifying performances—but they’ll come under the watchful eye of law enforcement. This year, it’s not just about the music—it’s also a test of discipline, professionalism, and how the entertainment industry adapts to the changing landscape of public accountability.
