Some members of the Speedy Cash Partner Plan outside the Victoria Mutual Building Society Montego Bay branch yesterday after they were informed that the partner operator Mrs. Esmie Jones was inside the bank. - Noel ThompsonWESTERN BUREAU:
ANGRY SPEEDY Cash Partner Plan depositors descended on Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS) Montego Bay branch yesterday, after rumours spread that the bank was withholding their partner money.
The crowd gathered in front of the Market Street building, screaming expletives while demanding their money. Police officers from the St. James Special Branch were on hand to keep the crowd in check. A unit from the St. James Fire Department was on standby while the policemen searched the building.
Carolyn Fischer, manager of the branch office, told The Gleaner that a telephone call came in at around 1:00 p.m. claiming that three bombs were planted on the building. While she did not link the bomb threat with the Speedy Cash patrons, she admitted Esmie Jones, the operator of the plan, had had an account with the bank.
"The lady in question had an account here. She came in this morning to transact business and she no longer has business with us or we with her," Mrs. Fischer said.
Mrs. Fischer said Mrs. Jones closed her account at about 10:00 yesterday morning. She added that she had no fear that the situation could escalate. Mrs. Jones seemingly evaded angry patrons gathered at the bank from as early as 9:00 o'clock yesterday morning. The angry depositors argued that Mrs. Jones had lodged the money at VMBS and was claiming that she did not have access to it.
Sources told The Gleaner that last week Mrs. Jones went to withdrew $30 million to pay her members, but was only given $7 million and asked to return later that evening. Upon her return she reportedly received $5 million, thus allowing her to pay approximately 50 persons. She has promised to make other payments today.
On Monday, Mrs. Jones was attacked by a group of partners in Sam Sharpe Square after she failed to make promised payments. CCN liaison officer Constable Peter Salkey told The Gleaner that Mrs. Jones was rescued by the police.
The police also confirmed that they had to visit her house in Farm Heights to disperse a crowd, which had gathered there over the weekend. "Mrs. Jones' husband had reported a case of threat, following a prank call at his home on the weekend," an officer said.
Despite such threat to her life the police said she has not sought police protection. "She has not sought assistance from the police, neither in respect to her safety or regarding threats to her life," said St. James Divisional Head, Superintendent Owen Ellington.
He said the police have also been unable to meet with her to discuss the situation and added that the police would monitor the situation closely to maintain order in the town. "The police is alert. We were quick to respond to the bomb threat and will maintain close watch over this situation," Superintendent Ellington said.
