CURTIS CAMPBELL, STAR Writer

Following the move by the government to enforce the noise abatement act of 1997, entertainment industry players have experienced several disadvantages at the hands of law enforcers. However, some entertainment enthusiasts are now convinced that the police are being misled by unscrupulous promoters and mischievous citizens to sabotage their rivals.

According to the general manager of Rebel T sound system, Dozer Rebel, promoters competing for the same target audience are using the police as their puppets to turn off events and revoke permits. Dozer Rebel says the police ought to visit the homes of their callers before actually turning off the reported events.

"I am having my event in Kingston and my rival can call from all the way in Montego Bay and complain that he/she is being disturbed and the police come turn off my dance. The police should verify the homes by going there and meeting with the complainant to see if it's true. Here in the US, when a complaint is made to the police, they go to the person's house before they turn off the event," Dozer said.

According to the manager, Jamaica is operating too much like a hustle and not a business.

"A cell phone run Jamaica and man just sit inna him car and call and turn of yu event just like that. No investigation to allocate the caller? It cyah work suh, I have said this over and over."

reports not legitimate

Selector of the year Marlon 'Boom Boom' Wizard also shared a similar view. Using the Limelight nightclub as an example, the selector says persons have claimed that they are being disturbed by the club on some occasions. However, nobody lives in the area, which means reports are not legitimate.

"Limelight nightclub is indoors, plus it's located in a commercial area. A wi and God alone out deh a party. Yet, people call police to turn off events at Limelight and that is because of envy. But they must know what they are doing. People children go to school from entertainment. A nuh the police a fight entertainment, it's coming from Mr Who It May Concern," he said.

The STAR contacted a police officer attached to the St Andrew Central Police Division. He says the police are aware that persons are using the law to sabotage others. However, once a call is made to the police department, instructions are given and they must be executed.

"If we receive a call, we normally check the area that the event is being hosted in. If the noise is too loud we check to see if the promoter has a permit. If they do have a permit we inform them to tone down the music. We don't normally ask where the complainant lives. However, if you don't have a permit and you are making noise you have breached the noise abatement act and will have your time in court," he said.

"We understand that there are loopholes in the system, but we are police officers and we have to follow our instructions because a complaint was made to the base. In some ridiculous cases, we do realise that some persons are being mischievous and those are sometimes ignored. But we have to act on the information given," the officer said.