Rasbert Turner, Gleaner WriterSPANISH TOWN: THE ST. Catherine Chamber of Commerce has promised to help improve the mobility and communications capacity of the Spanish Town police.
An ongoing crime wave has destabilised communities in Jamaica's old capital, causing some individuals to flee for their lives and depressing business activity.
"We will continue to monitor and maintain the vehicles that are in your fleet," President Rudolph Green told the head of the St. Catherine North Division, Wrenford Robinson. He was speaking at the chamber's monthly meeting at the St. Jago Health Centre in Spanish Town yesterday.
In his address, Superintendent Robinson had blamed a lack of resources as one of the main factors behind the high level of criminal activities affecting the town.
The chamber president said his organisation will also help the police in securing a two-way radio system, at a cost of US$500.
IMPACT ON BUSINESS
The criminality had been having a serious impact on business with Mark Myers, chairman of Restaurants of Jamaica and the second vice-president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, stating that the Kentucky Fried Chicken store along Burke Road in Spanish Town has been losing as much as 25 per cent of its sales as a result.
Mr. Myers said that the crime has affected production as often times the staff do not turn up to work out of fear for their lives.
"You will have to implement ingenious methods in dealing with these criminals," Mr. Green advised.
