Xodus Partners with JAA for Carnival Safety

The largest carnival band in Jamaica, Xodus, has partnered with the Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA) to enhance the safety and convenience of its 4,000 anticipated participants.

Scott Dunn, managing director of Dream Entertainment, which joined with Trinidad’s Y.U.M.A. carnival band to form Xodus, said that this new partnership will allow revellers to get from their parking areas to and from the carnival parade, and receive transfers from the airport, as well as their hotels.

A total of 8,000 revellers from three different bands are expected to march in the Carnival Road Parade today.

“We are ensuring that everyone will feel comfortable and enjoy themselves, as the JAA will do the driving,” Dunn said. “Having a ‘mobility partner’ means the growing number of participants will experience a better carnival than ever before.”

Previously, the three-year-old Xodus organisation had no structured mechanism to move carnival revellers around, Dunn explained. Consequently, the participants secured transportation to different carnival venues via their own arrangements.

“However, the number of revellers in the Road Parade this year will be the leargest ever in our history,” he stated. “On that basis, it became necessary to establish a partnership with the JAA to take care of our participants.”

Local festival

Dunn said that the local carnival was being developed to attract Jamaicans and visitors who want to participate in a local festival.

“We now have persons who are choosing to come to carnival in Jamaica over Trinidad, because they like the unique experience,” he stated. “Trinidad offers one fête after another for revellers, while it has become a more fulsome tourist experience in Jamaica; and our international air transportation links are better.”

Jason McNeish, deputy general manager, JAA, said, “We have developed a special ‘member package’ for carnival revellers, which provides shuttle service to and from events and access to the ‘JAA Mobile Rest Stop,’ where patrons can cool down; as well as to refresh themselves on the buses during the Road Parade.”

McNeish signed the partnership agreement with Dunn at the Dream Entertainment executive office at the Winchester Business Centre, St Andrew.

“As the largest motoring club in Jamaica, a critical element of what we do is to promote road safety,” McNeish declared. “Drinking is a part of the carnival culture; and, in those circumstances, it is vital to have a sober designated driver. We look forward to playing that role for the thousands of revellers on our roads in April.”