By Tyrone Reid, Staff ReporterTHE POLICE have confirmed that criminal elements who are reportedly aligned to the notorious 'One Order' gang are attempting to set up an extortion ring in the business community of May Pen, Clarendon.
"There appears to be some attempt to get persons in the business community of May Pen to comply with the dictates of unknown individuals. I don't know, they call themselves 'One Order'," said Inspector Sonia James of the Constabulary Communication Network (CCN).
Inspector James said the police are intensely investigating the matter and will take the necessary steps to curtail the racketeers.
Mike Henry, Member of Parliament for Central Clarendon, told The Gleaner that over the past few weeks the matter had come to his attention. Mr. Henry said he initially wrote off the allegations as rumours. However, he began taking the matter seriously after some of his political colleagues told him that the racket was 'growing with intensity.'
"It has come to my attention that persons with clear criminal intent have recently been sending letters to business persons in May Pen, Clarendon, demanding extortion money in the name of the 'One Order' gang to which the Jamaica Labour Party has been unfortunately linked in neighbouring St. Catherine," said a release from Mr. Henry.
He added that while the extortion attempts may have arisen out of survival instincts among people of desperate circumstances, as a result of the current economic hardships, this sort of illegal activity will not be tolerated in his constituency. "It must be clearly recognised that such behaviour cannot be supported by any well-thinking representative of the people nor any responsible political party. I am not prepared to allow what has happened in major towns and cities to take root in May Pen."
He continued: "As a result, on behalf of the JLP, I wish to declare total abhorrence to the development and a desire to see it fully removed from the community." Additionally, Mr. Henry said it has come to his attention that proprietors of businesses are paying police officers money 'under the table' for extra protection, an act the Member of Parliament also condemned.
"There are corroborated reports of police personnel being paid by business interests in the town for special protection of their operations, although it is the duty of the police to provide general protection to all citizens," he said.
Inspector James did not confirm or deny these allegations levied against the lawmen. However, she denounced it as extortion on the premise that the Government is already paying officers a salary to protect and serve.
