WESTERN BUREAU:

Police action along the 'Hip Strip' in Montego Bay, St. James, has led to a significant reduction in visitor harassment in the second city, tourism stakeholders say.

Speaking at a press conference at the Old Fort Craft Market, in the western city, on Tuesday, the industry players applauded the work of the St. James police.

"As a sector, we want to say that the police, for the first time, have been able to sustain an operation that is bringing this (tourist harassment) under control," said John Byles, chairman of the Montego Bay Cruise Shipping Committee. "This is the first time that, when we speak among stakeholders, we hear that there is an operation in effect and we want to demonstrate our support for this action and that we want it continued moving forward."

One of most frequented tourism spots in Montego Bay, Gloucester Avenue - popularly known as 'The Hip Strip' - has been plagued by pimps, prostitutes and illegal vendors in recent times. However, since a new crime-prevention initiative, more than 100 persons have been arrested and brought to book.

According to Superintendent Warren Clarke, commanding officer for the St. James police division, the reduction in crime along the strip is due largely to downsizing of uniformed police for undercover agents to target the harassers.

"In the last eight weeks, this task force has been able to process about 133 unlicensed vendors, 38 of whom have been charged with breaches of the Tourism Board Regulation, cocaine possession, offensive weapons and various breaches of the law that are being committed by night and by day on the strip," he said.

Adding that the police force was heartened by the support from tourism players, Supt. Clarke commented that they were "very committed to sustaining this effort for as long as it takes".

- Claudine Housen