St Ann chamber president urges residents to help cops combat crime

As the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) reports a significant decline in murders in St Ann, President of the St Ann Chamber of Commerce (SACC), Dr Ransford Davidson, is calling on residents of the parish to play a more active role in supporting the police's efforts.

According to the JCF's serious crime report for January 1 to December 14, 2024, St Ann recorded 50 murders, representing a 36.7 per cent decline or 29 fewer killings when compared to the corresponding period last year.

Davidson, in an interview with reporters last week, said residents can do more to help the police achieve further gains.

"As a community, people of Brown's Town (for example), we need to stand up against these (criminal) elements, and so, this is also a call to persons within the community to share information with us, share information with the JCF," he urged.

Davidson also acknowledged the challenges that are faced by the JCF, noting that "oftentimes the JCF (is) stretched for resources.

"So, as there may be an increase of police presence, at certain point, it's impossible in instances for the JCF to be everywhere," said the SACC president.

In addition to his call to action against crime, Davidson also pointed to the need for the authorities to address the issue of traffic congestion in the parish, which he believes requires urgent attention.