Reggae Sumfest principal, Johnny Gouzong is confident that despite the present hardship and difficulty facing the society, the show, now in its 16th year will be a success.


This years festival will be staged despite the fact that the public is at odds with the authorities regarding the Noise Abatement Act.


This act allows the police to shutdown local dances at 2 p.m on weekends and at 12 a.m during the week. This has led to several local promoters losing several thousand dollars. The situation recently turned ugly when residents demonstrated viciously after police officers shutdown a popular session.


Some dancehall supporters vowed to boycott the larger events, suggesting that shows such as Reggae Sumfest and others are the big man events.


In responding to the alleged notion the veteran promoter said that Reggae Sumfest has been designated a national event, and as such the show will be granted an extension on the 2 a.m. cut off time. So we expect to do business as usual, Gouzong said.


With regards to a boycott, I am confident that they will be very happy to hear that we will not be closing at 2 a.m, he said. The nature and flavour of the festival from Reggae Sunsplash in 1978 to now, is one where people enjoy themselves right through the night, have a little breakfast in the morning and then go home.


Jamaicans like to go out and enjoy themselves and that is part of the release valve so we expect that the festival will once again be very well supported, a seemingly confident Gouzong told the Western Mirror last Friday at the second meeting of the National Cruise Council of Jamaica meeting held at the Yacht Club..


The entry fees for this years show Gourzong said will more or less be the same. If there is any increase it will be minimal because we recognize that patrons are going through difficult times.


Gourzong admits that there are other challenges. This year is a challenge based on many reasons. Red Stripe is no longer our title sponsor, although they are still on board as our exclusive alcohol beverage sponsor.


Despite the obvious, Gouzong is very confident that the four-night festival which begins on July 13 will be a success.


He is expecting a fantastic festival this year with great artistes. Two international artistes will be among the line-up this year, but due to final negotiations, he will not disclose the name of that that artistes as yet.


The home coming of Jah Cure will highlight the local acts plus the smooth Beres Hammond, Taurus Riley, Etana, Queen Ifrica, Beenie Man, Bounty Killa, Mavado, Vybz Kartel, Elephant Man among others.