Heaven calls for more police on MoBay’s streets
Published:Friday | April 19, 2024 | 12:12 AMAlbert Ferguson Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
ORAL HEAVEN, chief advocate at the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), has called for greater presence and security in the western capital, Montego Bay, by way of quick-response personnel.
Heaven also wants the new commander for the St James Police Division, Acting Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels, to restore the bicycle patrol unit in key hospitality areas of Montego Bay, the resort capital of the Caribbean.
“Swift -response times are crucial in emergency situations and in crime incidents, therefore, we request additional quick-response personnel to ensure timely interventions and effective crisis management in our parish,” said Heaven, president of the MBCCI, during a meeting with stakeholders at Harbour City Shopping Mall.
He stated that with Montego Bay being the tourism capital of the Caribbean the presence of police on wheels is important.
“The reinstatement of the bicycle patrol unit can significantly improve visibility, accessibility, and community engagement, therefore, we advocate for the reintroduction of bicycles for patrol, enhanced police presence in key tourist areas,” Heaven pleaded.
He also wants the Police High Command to make available to the St James Police Division adequate resources, including fit-for-purpose vehicles and trained traffic personnel to maintain law and order, manage traffic, and respond to emergencies promptly.
Samuels pledged to improve on the work done by his predecessor, SSP Vernon Ellis, who was transferred to Area 2 of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
“One thing that I can tell you is that we stand committed to continue the work that was done before by SSP Ellis, and having been there for two years working with him, I now understand a lot of the different strategies that were used, and I pledge to continue to ensure that we keep these reductions (in crime) going,” Samuels told members of the business community in St James.
“We want to assure you that we are capable and ready to continue to make this parish one of the safer ones we have in the country,” the St James Police Division commander said.