Old Harbour Bay youth advocate calls for curfew rethink

The police subdivision of Old Harbour, which constitutes the entire constituency of St Catherine South Western, has been under a revolving 48-hour curfew for the last two months in response to rising crime. 

The strategy has been positive for crime fighters, with murders trending downward and the police subsequently amending curfew hours starting midnight. 

However, for Old Harbour Bay, a troubled hotspot of national security concern – as it is deemed a major transshipment point in the guns for drugs trade between Jamaica and Haiti and gang-related violence – a 6:00 pm curfew order remains. 

But this move hasn’t sat well with Preston Smith, a resident of Bay Bottom and youth activist. 

In a missive to community stakeholders, including Member of Parliament Everald Warmington and ASP Romario Rankin, commander in charge of Old Harbour police subdivision, Smith points to the “devastating impact” of the imposed restrictions.

“I am writing to express deep concern about the 6:00 p.m. curfew imposed on our community, Old Harbour Bay. This measure, while intended to maintain law and order, is having far-reaching and devastating consequences on the social and economic fabric of our community.

“The curfew is severely impacting local businesses, which rely heavily on evening patronage. Many entrepreneurs are struggling to stay afloat, and some have already been forced to close their doors. This not only affects the business owners but also their employees, who are now facing unemployment.

“Furthermore, the curfew is restricting the movement of residents, particularly those who work late shifts or have evening commitments. This is causing undue stress and hardship, as people are forced to alter their daily routines or face the risk of being detained.

“The curfew is also affecting the social dynamics of our community. Evening events, such as cultural gatherings, sporting activities, and religious services, are being cancelled or severely curtailed. This is eroding the sense of community and social cohesion that is essential to our well-being,” said Smith the co-ordinator of CMY Events Management.

The youth advocate contends there are better alternate solutions to effectively tackle crime in the community. He said the police should consider alternative measures, such as increased police presence and patrols, improved street lighting and infrastructure, community-based initiatives to address the root causes of crime and collaboration with local stakeholders to develop a comprehensive crime prevention plan. 

“We respectfully request that you reconsider the 6:00 p.m. curfew and work with us to find alternative solutions that balance public safety with the need to protect the economic and social well-being of our community.

“We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this matter further with you and explore ways to address the concerns of all stakeholders.”

Speaking at a stakeholder’s forum last month, ASP Rankin said while the police are cognizant of the impact on businesses, the preservation of life and property take precedent. He told the meeting organized by the South St Catherine Chamber of Commerce, formerly Old Harbour Chamber of Commerce, that any relaxation or total discontinuation of the curfew order is dependent on the reduction of major crimes and businesses complying with the security measures.