In labelling Montego Bay as the tourism capital of the Caribbean, President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), Oral Heaven, is advocating for the reintroduction of bicycle patrols by the police throughout the St James parish capital.
Heaven said the bicycle patrols will, among other things, “enhance” the police visibility and access in Montego Bay.
“This is the tourism capital of the Caribbean. Therefore, the reinstatement of bicycle patrols can significantly improve visibility, accessibility and community engagement,” declared Heaven at the MBCCI’s monthly meeting last week.
“Therefore, we are advocating for the reintroduction of bicycles for patrolling to enhance police presence in key tourist areas, also resources and traffic personnel,” he indicated.
Tourist hotspots in Montego Bay include the Hip Strip and the Elegant Corridor.
Heaven also requested expansion of the police quick response motorcycle team in St James.
This, said the business leader, would increase the police’s response time to intervene in what he described as “crisis management” in the wider parish.
“We ask for more quick response personnel to ensure timely intervention and effective crisis management in our parish,” he said.
In addressing the meeting as well, newly appointed head of the St James Police Division, Acting Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels, assured the business leaders and other stakeholders that the police remain committed to reducing crime across the parish.
In fact, he said he will be continuing on the strategies that were employed by former police commander for the parish, Senior Superintendent Vernon Ellis, who has been transferred to the Area 2 police headquarters.
Added Samuels: “I understand the strategies used, and pledge to keep driving crime down.
“We want to show that we are capable of making this one of the safest parishes in Jamaica,” he stated.
