Chambers calls for community support in Hanover’s crime fight
ACP notes significant increase in major crimes, effect on business operations
Published:Saturday | December 23, 2023 | 12:07 AMBryan Miller/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Clifford Chambers says on a comparative basis Hanover has the leading major crime figures across the country, as he noted that criminals are delivering a double whammy on businesses in the parish.
This, Chambers explained, is by way of their nefarious activities, and the spin-off measures, such as the State of Emergency (SOE) that have become necessary and includes restrictions on events and closing hours. As a result, he is calling on community members to play a role in crime reduction.
“Let’s all play a role in securing our treasured community and businesses,” he said, in delivering the keynote address at the inaugural awards ceremony for Michael’s Chillwater Structural Consultancy Services Limited, a group of companies headquartered in Orange Bay, Hanover, that started operations in 2014.
With respect to the levels of crime being experienced Chambers, who is from that parish, pointed to data which show that crime has risen significantly. He made special mention of areas, such as Logwood, Santoy, Lot, Wharf Road and Phoenix Town Road as troubled areas.
“Presently, of the 14 parishes in Jamaica, Hanover leads in major crime figures over the corresponding period for last year. Major crimes have seen a 27-per-cent increase over last year,” he pointed out.
“Sixty-seven murders have been committed since this year, compared to 44 last year, which gives us the biggest gap of 23 when compared to all other parishes,” he stated.
Chambers noted that shootings, break-ins and robberies are also up in the parish, a situation that calls for drastic action.
“Our parish is now under a state of emergency (SOE), which, if enforced in its strictest sense, would see a total lockdown of the parish and an event like this could not be possible,” he emphasised.
He argued that the law-enforcement strictures of restrictive policing would not benefit anyone, as it restricts freedom of movement, it borderlines constitutional rights, “and is certainly not good for business to thrive”.
On the other hand, he argued, the rising crime rate and propensity for crimes to be committed kills investment and drives up the fear factor.
“This is actually worse than a SOE for business to thrive and grow in, it leads to community decay, reduction in investments, little or no profit and eventual unemployment, and the continuing effect of more crime and violence,” the ACP emphasised.
He drew reference to the most recent murder incident in the parish, that of Hopewell High School bursar Jermaine Roberts being shot school compound, arguing that no business can survive in such a toxic environment.
Chambers called on all community members to play their part in helping to fight crime and violence in their respective communities, asking that they report suspicions people, with a view to displacing the criminals within the communities.
Some 140 members of staff drawn from the different entities in the Michael’s Chillwater Structural Consultancy Services Limited group were recognised and awarded for hard work and effort at the ceremony.