KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — An annual concert that draws
hundreds of tourists to celebrate Bob Marley's birthday has
been cancelled for the first time since its inception in 1992
over noise complaints.
Police denied promoter Clive Pringle an event permit because
of several run-ins with police and residents in Negril, superintendent
Dezeita Taylor said Thursday.
The Bob Marley Birthday Bash that Pringle organized every
Feb. 6 regularly exceeded the 2 a.m. curfew established under
the Noise Abatement Act, she said.
Last year Pringle was fined $560, police said.
Pringle said he appealed, but doubts the concert will be held.
The show was launched in 1992 in Negril - a seaside town west
of Kingston - and has attracted up to 3,500 people, Pringle said.
Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett recently called for a revision of
the Noise Abatement Act to extend time for events popular with
tourists.
Bob Marley birthday bashes are held worldwide in places including
London, Hawaii and Miami.