Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

Spanish Town, St. Catherine:

The St. Catherine North police say they have made a major impact on crime in 2006 and that murders have been cut from 232 to 170.

The police also told The Gleaner on New Year's Day that they recovered 10 more illegal firearms in 2006 than in 2005 when 60 were seized.

Senior investigators claimed that, due to intelligence-driven operations, the police also recovered more than 400 rounds of ammunition and that several of the country's most wanted were held in the parish through collaboration with Kingfish and other efforts.

Law and order

According to Deputy Superintendent in charge of crime, Meveral Smith, the police will be going all out in its efforts in 2007 to bring a sense of law and order back to the parish.

Dennis Robotham, president of St. Catherine Chamber of Commerce, has also endorsed the work of the police, especially in the last half of the year.

"We have seen business growing since June in Spanish Town, and it is a very good feeling and we are prepared to work with the police to continue in this effort," Robotham said.

He said business persons have expressed optimism that with the peace in the Old Capital, business will continue to grow. Meanwhile, the lawmen said they will do whatever they can to maintain the process.

'We have seen business growing since June in Spanish Town and it is a very good feeling, and we are prepared to work with the police to continue in this effort.'