Today June 15, marks the first day of the re-opening of the Jamaican borders to some tourists and returning residents, however, as the government continues to roll out phased re-opening of amusement parks, zoos, water attractions, beaches, and rivers, the entertainment industry remains at a physical standstill.

Over the weekend, one entertainment stakeholder posed a poll question on Twitter in an effort to keep the conversation going on the re-opening of the entertainment industry.

“If the Jamaican entertainment industry was being reopened in July 2020 through a phased controlled process including health protocols and new party norms, would you?” was the question polled, and from the over 1000 responders, of the three options provided, 48% said they would “wait and see before feting” while 33% said they would “avoid all summer parties,” and a mere 19% said they would “be at the first party.”

For the past two weeks, some key players in the Jamaican entertainment industry have been in talks to address and organize the best way forward for parties, festivals, live shows, and all entertainment related events.

Since March, the government had suspended the issuing of all entertainment permits and a restriction on the number of persons allowed at large gatherings, which has significantly impacted the entertainment industry and resulted in the cancellation and postponement of several events.