Angelo Laurence, Gleaner Writer

MANDEVILLE, Manchester:

The Manchester Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the Ministry of National Security, the business community and other organisations on Wednesday, launched what it calls its 'Closed to Crime Initiative' (CCI).

The initiative, according to chamber president, Winston Lawson, is aimed at closing off the town of Mandeville and, by extension, the parish to criminals and will cost approximately $9.6 million. The plan calls for the chamber, with the support of individuals, civic organisations and the business sector, to lend its support to the police to reduce crime by at least 25 per cent by the end of the year.

Divided into four components, the initiative aims to achieve the following:

The implementation of a 24-hour motorised patrol.

Expansion of the local intelligence unit.

Installation of closed-circuit television cameras in the town of Mandeville.

An upgrade of the facilities of the local investigative unit of the police.

Custos of Manchester, Gilbert Allen, who gave the initiative his blessing, said he welcomes the fact that someone is providing some action to help stem the unprecedented rise in criminal activity in the parish over the past two years. He cited the abduction and murder of 75-year-old businessman Richard Lyn and his 74-year-old wife Julia, in December last year. They were kidnapped in the upscale Ingleside community and their house robbed. Their bodies were found weeks later among the tons of garbage at the Martin's Hill dump, two miles outside Mandeville. Three persons were arrested in connection with the incident and are now awaiting trial.

During Wednesday's launch at the Mandeville Hotel, several businesses presented cheques totalling more then $1.2 million.

Mr. Lawson told The Gleaner that the chamber intends to see to it that the local police are provided with the necessary tools to ensure that the citizens of the town of Mandeville are safe. He said the initiative will be extended to other towns such as Christiana.