Police post for MoBay’s Old Hospital Park

WESTERN BUREAU:

Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon has said that there are plans to address growing concerns over tourism harassment in the Second City with the establishment of a new police post at the Old Hospital Park on Jimmy Cliff Boulevard.

While not giving a timeline for the post’s operational launch, Vernon said the location is strategic to combat the issue.

“At the Old Hospital Park, we will establish a police post in tandem with the Tourism Product Development Product Company to enhance security within the space and to provide that component of support to the business-improvement district so that the establishment of such a district can be sustainable from a safety standpoint,” Vernon said at a press conference on Monday.

The decision comes as the authorities and tourism interests work to reduce incidents of aggressive solicitation and harassment that have impacted visitors’ experiences in the area.

“We have, in fact, received a letter from one of the hotels pertaining to harassment, and this is something that we’re very concerned about because apart from our sand, sea, sun, and, of course, the number-one reason why people say they come to Jamaica is the people. We have to ensure that when they visit they feel safe, they feel comfortable, and, most importantly, that they have a superb experience,” Vernon said.

Jamaica’s economy relies heavily on tourism, which has become one of the country’s largest sources of foreign exchange.

“For what it’s worth, we have to ensure that we protect the tourism industry because it provides employment, it provides funding for many other things that we do, and it’s just a part of a major industry,” added the mayor.

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