By Glenroy Sinclair, Staff ReporterMEMBERS OF the island's security forces are on 'high alert' amid reports of plans for massive demonstrations in Kingston today by citizens protesting against price increases on basic goods and foodstuff and the new four per cent cess on imported products recently imposed by the Government.
"We are unable to confirm the rumours, but at the same time we are not dispelling it. Because of what we are hearing, the Jamaica Constabulary Force and Jamaica Defence Force are on alert and prepared to deal with any eventualities," Deputy Commissioner in charge of crime, Lucius Thomas, told The Gleaner yesterday.
There are also reports that since Saturday policemen had been confined to barracks, meaning that the lawmen were not allowed to leave their respective stations and go home, while all vacation leave has been cancelled.
As part of the preparations, Police Commissioner Francis Forbes and members of his team held an emergency meeting at his office yesterday afternoon. Contacted yesterday, Inspector Sonia James of the Constabulary Communication Network (CCN) said the Police High Command had held several meetings in relation to the information they had received.
Assistant Commissioner in charge of the National Firearm and Drug Intelligence Centre (NFDIC),
Osbourne Dyer, was yesterday rostered to man the activities at Police Control Centre.
Meanwhile at the Mobile Reserve Unit yesterday, scores of policemen and women, attired in uniform and safety gear, were assembling on the compound as they got ready for action.
Most of these personnel have been hand-picked and trained to deal with public disorders. The four newly-acquired armoured vehicles were strategically parked and ready to roll. Another heavy unit which has a built-in tank and from which water can be sprayed in the event of roadblocks and demonstration was being filled with water from a truck. It also has special equipment to remove debris from the roadway.
In April 1999, the increase in gas prices resulted in islandwide protests. Protesters staged roadblocks across major thoroughfares and looted stores and shops.
