Private sector pledges funds to tackle crime in Portland
Published:Sunday | November 13, 2016 | 12:00 AMGareth Davis
PORT ANTONIO, Portland:
Faced with a sharp increase in gun-related crime and murders, the private sector, individuals, and a political representative have pledged money to assist with crime-fighting efforts.
At a stakeholders meeting at the Ken Wright Pier in Port Antonio on Saturday night, Minister Daryl Vaz announced that the money will be made available to purchase two motor vehicles needed to assist the police in carrying out patrols, especially at nights in communities where there has been an increase in criminal activities.
"Sandals Group has pledged $1 million. Additionally, Michael Lee-Chin has also pledged $1 million towards the purchase of the units and $500,000 has also been pledged by a private citizen. From my Constituency Development Fund, I am contributing $1 million. Crime is everybody's problem and we can no longer turn a blind eye as it is now at our doorsteps. Criminals will not be allowed to unleash fear and mayhem on our law-abiding citizens," Vaz added.
Earlier, Police Commissioner Dr Carl Williams urged Portlanders not to allow criminals to disrupt the peace and calm of a parish which is considered the safest islandwide but to, instead, report to the police any suspicious activity that they may have witnessed.