Note has been taken of inaccuracies in a story appearing in the Tuesday, November 12, 2019 edition of the Daily Observer regarding the unavailability of the King’s House East Lawn for parking for the ‘Shaggy and Friends Concert’ staged at the Jamaica House Grounds. Although it is not the policy of King’s House to complain or explain, we wish to advise all that the reference is misleading.
For over a decade, King’s House has accommodated requests from the ‘Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation’ for use of the West Lawn for parking. On December 17, 2017, we received a request for the use of the East Lawn for parking for the January 6, 2018 concert. A further request was also made to cut an existing fence to allow for passage from the East Lawn to the Jamaica House Grounds. This action would have affected the security of both properties, and the request was denied.
By letter dated December 21, 2017, King’s House responded to the Foundation indicating that the portion of the property requested was used for parking only for national occasions such as the swearing-in of Prime Ministers and the National Honours and Awards Ceremony.
Nevertheless, given the circumstances regarding traffic congestion, flow, and control, a concession was made. However, the organisers were advised that in the future, the East Lawn would not be available, and they would need to revert to the previous arrangements for parking, that is, the West Lawn.
King’s House has always supported this event of which the beneficiary entity is the Bustamante Hospital for Children, which Lady Allen has adopted, and which she visits regularly for on-going charitable activities. Over the years, several other charitable causes have been supported that have benefited the intended recipients. However, it should be noted that the State Office embodies the values and aspirations of a nation, not just a single group, and some requests cannot be accommodated at King’s House.
It is hoped that any misunderstandings on the part of the public or the organizers have now been clarified.