Police announce traffic changes for Grand Gala celebration

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The police are advising citizens who will be attending the 2026 Independence Day Grand Gala celebration at the National Stadium on Thursday, August 6, that firearms, explosives, knives, igloos, scissors, or any item that can be used to cause serious harm or injury will not be allowed inside the venue. The traffic changes before the event are as follows: At midday, Arthur Wint Drive will become a one-way. Traffic will flow easterly towards the Stadium.

Persons attending the event from this direction will turn left onto Roosevelt Avenue, right onto Stanton Terrace, right onto Mountain View Avenue, right onto Arthur Wint Drive and into the car park. Vehicles travelling along Arthur Wint Drive towards Mountain View Avenue will turn left at Roosevelt Avenue, then right at Stanton Terrace. Residents travelling easterly along Arthur Wint Drive going to the Lofts Apartments will use the slip road at the ticket office.

Residents travelling from Mountain View Avenue to the Lofts Apartments will be allowed to proceed. Residents from Stadium Gardens will be able to leave and enter the community by using Arthur Wint Drive as a one way (easterly only). The traffic changes will remain in effect for the duration of the event.

Traffic changes after the event are as follows: Arthur Wint Drive will be one way westerly from gate E4 towards Tom Redcam Drive. Roosevelt Avenue will operate as normal (both ways). Arthur Wint Drive from gate E5 will be one way, easterly towards Mountain View Avenue.

Latham Avenue will be one way, north-westerly towards Old Hope Road. Motorists travelling on North and Central Avenue towards Arthur Wint Drive will only be allowed to turn right onto Arthur Wint Drive. Emergency vehicles will use these roads to access the Children's Hospital.

For about 45 minutes after the event, residents of Stadium Gardens will be able to exit the community by turning left onto Arthur Wint Drive but will not be able to enter or re-enter the community. We apologize for any inconvenience and ask for your cooperation. Citizens are to note, there will be no parking allowed on the following roads: Roosevelt Avenue Arthur Wint Drive Latham Avenue Stanton Terrace Mountain View Avenue Vehicles found in contravention will be towed.