Police to beef up security for Mavado concert amid violence concerns

As anticipation builds for the Super Concert featuring Jamaican artiste Mavado at the National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) today, police have announced strict security measures aimed at protecting concertgoers from potential violence and ensuring the event remains safe.
Commander of Georgetown, Senior Superintendent Simon McBean, outlined a series of restrictions that will be enforced at the show, citing concerns over public safety following past incidents of violence at similar events.
The police have made it clear during a radio programme: no firearms or weapons of any kind will be allowed inside the concert venue. Only authorised police officers on duty will be permitted to carry firearms. Security personnel and law enforcement officials will be the only individuals allowed to possess weapons during the event. Concertgoers who possess licensed firearms must lodge them at the Providence Police Station on the EBD before attending the show and can retrieve them after the event.

“We want a clean show and we want people to go and enjoy themselves in a very safe environment,” he said.
In addition, attendees have been warned not to carry any items that could be deemed offensive or dangerous. Police also urged patrons to avoid wearing expensive jewelry, as concerns over potential thefts and robberies during large gatherings have been raised.
The heightened security measures come in the wake of previous high-profile incidents involving violence and weapons at concerts in Guyana. In 2008, Mavado, along with fellow Jamaican artist Bounty Killa, was banned from performing in Guyana. The ban was imposed after Bounty Killa’s performance in the country led to gunfire, and authorities deemed both artists a security risk. The ban was later lifted. However, the then-government under President Bharrat Jagdeo cited their “track records” as a reason for the ban, making Mavado’s upcoming return a notable development.

Also, Jamaican dancehall artist Skeng was banned from performing in Guyana in 2022 following an incident at the Baderation concert at the Guyana National Park, where patrons opened fire during his performance, causing widespread panic and injury. The concert descended into chaos after Skeng performed his hit song “Protocol,” which was linked to the glorification of gun violence. That incident led to tighter restrictions on the types of music that could be performed at large gatherings and increased scrutiny of dancehall artists.
Additionally, weapons such as knives and firearms have been found at various entertainment events in recent years, prompting calls for stricter measures to safeguard attendees. In December 2021, several patrons were arrested after police found illegal firearms and other dangerous weapons at a popular music event in Georgetown. These instances have raised alarm bells for authorities, who want to ensure that the upcoming Mavado concert does not become a similar hotspot for criminal activity.
Mavado, a Jamaican dancehall icon known for his street anthems, is set to perform at the National Stadium that has drawn large crowds for other major concerts in the past. With heightened security and a zero-tolerance policy on weapons, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is hoping to avoid the violence and disruptions that have plagued previous events.