WESTERN BUREAU:
HUNDREDS OF angry patrons invaded the offices of the Montego Bay Revolving Partner Plan yesterday demanding that operators of the so-called investment scheme refund them their money.
By mid-morning employees under threat from the angry mob, had to be escorted by policemen from their Market Street offices.
Cons. Peter Salkey of the CCN, St. James, said the police had to intervene to prevent the situation getting worse. "Right now we are collecting statements from individuals and will take the necessary steps," he told The Gleaner.
He said the operators had given an assurance that they would be making additional payments today but that if they failed to pay, this could result in warrants being prepared for their arrest.
"If they are going to pay out this money then the police will assist them to see that this is done peacefully and orderly," Cons. Salkey said.
The "partner" scheme, one of four operating in the second city, closed down about three weeks ago after patrons stormed the offices, damaging the shopping plaza where they are located.
It reopened yesterday with employees trying unsuccessfully to make payments. Patrons smashed the windows and broke down the doors of the offices, forcing the employees to leave under police protection.
When The Gleaner visited the offices yesterday persons were seen at the location, cursing and accusing the operators of "conning" them.
Others had moved to the Urban Development Corporation complex "dump-up," where they were advised that the operator would visit to speak with them.
However, after several hours nobody turned up and several of them threatened to "mash up" the town if they did not get their money.