Cops alert for roadblocks

The Portland police say they are on high alert to intervene if public transport operators carry out planned roadblocks that could cause major disruptions to the start of the 2022-2023 academic year, which starts today.

Cabbies and busmen have been aggrieved over what they have described as deplorable road conditions at the eastern end of Portland, where construction is under way as part of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project leading from the neighbouring parish of St Thomas.

Irate transport operators and other motorists have complained bitterly about the state of approximately 12 kilometres of roadway leading from Boston to Fairy Hill, Drapers, and into Folly in Port Antonio.

Velonie Campbell, acting commanding officer for the Portland Police Division, said that law enforcers would deal with any attempt to mount blockades along the corridor.

Campbell said that the police were not aware of planned protests but would prevent any delay to the free flow of traffic.

“We thought as much that persons may want to use the opportunity ... and that stretch of road is of most concern, so we will be putting things in place. We know that this period normally persons take to the street to highlight whatever issues they may have,” Campbell said.

The thoroughfare is key to the transportation of students attending several schools, including Titchfield High, Happy Grove High, Port Antonio High, Fair Prospect High, Boundbrook Primary, Port Antonio Primary, and Portland High.