Curfew hours for Old Harbour further reduced

The announcement was made during a stakeholders' meeting held at the Old Harbour courthouse yesterday. This is the third reduction to the curfew hours under stricter security measures to curtailed rising crime. 

Effective immediately, the revised curfew will run from midnight to 6:00 am and will remain in place for a mandatory 48-hour period. ASP Rankin stated that the order will be reviewed and extended over the next two weeks, with ongoing assessments of the security situation. He emphasized that police will focus on identified crime hotspots during this period.

The latest adjustment comes after a month of heightened security measures in Old Harbour and other areas, aimed at addressing a surge in violent crime, particularly murders. These measures have proven effective, with murder rates now lower than during the same period last year. Despite this progress, the St. Catherine South police command is proceeding cautiously, opting to relax restrictions gradually rather than lifting them entirely.

Acting Senior Superintendent Leighton Gray, commanding officer for St. Catherine South, clarified that the curfew does not prohibit movement but requires individuals to justify their travel during restricted hours. "Having the curfew doesn’t mean you cannot move around, but you must have a legitimate reason for doing so," he explained.

While the stricter security measures have contributed to a decline in serious crime, they have also impacted local businesses, particularly smaller enterprises unable to withstand operational disruptions. Among those affected is Homer White, owner of Dimel’s, an adult entertainment nightclub located on Ascot Drive. He expressed concern at the meeting, noting that 20 of his employees have been placed on furlough, which is affecting their ability to support their families, including sending their children to school and providing meals.

Adrian Samuda, Principal Director of Kaluga Kafe, proposed a special exemption under the curfew order for businesses located in the town centre to mitigate the economic impact. However, police officials urged business operators to remain patient, with ASP Rankin highlighting the significant progress made in reducing crime and maintaining public safety.

The police reiterated their commitment to balancing security needs with the concerns of the business community, assuring stakeholders that the situation will continue to be monitored closely.