Police chief announces revised curfew time for Old Harbour Bay

Effective immediately, the curfew will now begin at 8:00 pm, a change from the previously imposed 48-hour lockdowns that have sparked widespread frustration in the community. 

The announcement comes days after a chaotic meeting between police, business owners, and residents, which ended in disarray as tensions over the curfew reached a boiling point. The meeting, initially intended to address rising crime in the area, highlighted the community’s dissatisfaction with the curfew’s impact on livelihoods and its perceived ineffectiveness in curbing criminal activity. 

ASP Rankin defended the curfew, citing a recent spike in violent crime, including three murders since the start of the year, compared to one during the same period last year. “The curfew is a necessary measure to ensure public safety,” he stated. “However, we have listened to the concerns of the community and are adjusting the curfew hours to strike a balance between security and economic activity.” 

The revised curfew time is seen as a partial victory for local business owners, who have been vocal about the economic strain caused by the lockdowns. 

As Old Harbour Bay adjusts to the new curfew hours, the community remains cautiously optimistic. 

ASP Rankin, speaking with Old Harbour News earlier, said the police will continue to monitor the situation and make the necessary adjustments accordingly.