Chaos erupts at Old Harbour Bay meeting

The gathering was scheduled to follow a planned 3:30 pm walkthrough with police at the popular Repooh Lounge, in response to the recent fatal shooting of two men in the Terminal area. However, the walkthrough was abruptly canceled by police after another murder occurred just 24 hours earlier. Despite the cancellation, approximately 50 people showed up, unaware of the change in plans. Seizing the opportunity, attendees decided to form a business group to advocate for their interests, electing Justin Hooper, owner of Repooh’s Lounge, as its leader.

When police, led by ASP Romario Rankin, the newly appointed commander of the Old Harbour subdivision, arrived to address the crowd, the meeting quickly spiraled out of control. Within 15 minutes, heated exchanges erupted among attendees as they attempted to voice their concerns. ASP Rankin eventually stepped away from the head table, bringing the meeting to an abrupt end. Before leaving, he assured the group that he would remain available for future discussions aimed at finding a constructive way forward.

ASP Rankin defended the ongoing curfew, citing a recent daylight murder and noting that Old Harbour Bay has recorded three murders since the start of the year, compared to one during the same period last year. He emphasized that the curfew would remain in effect until further notice.

Justin Hooper, now head of the newly formed Old Harbour Bay Entrepreneur Business Committee, argued that a 10:00 pm curfew would be more reasonable. He urged police to reconsider their crime-fighting strategy, stating, “We are not treated well by this curfew. What we would like to see is more police on the beat, stopping and searching people, not locking down businesses. Randomly search people around the area.”

Over the past two months, the St. Catherine South Police Division, which covers Portmore, Old Harbour, and Central Village, has relied heavily on curfews and other security measures to combat rising crime, particularly murders and shootings. While these measures have led to reduced curfew hours in Old Harbour town, starting at midnight, Old Harbour Bay — Jamaica’s largest fishing community and a key hub in the illegal guns-for-drugs trade with Haiti — has seen no such relief.

Dr. Kurt Waul, councillor for Old Harbour South Division and the People’s National Party’s candidate for Member of Parliament in St. Catherine South Western, highlighted the curfew’s detrimental impact on local micro-entrepreneurs. “The fisherfolks are very concerned. When they get a fresh catch, they need to sell it immediately because storing it is expensive,” he explained. Dr. Waul called for a revised strategy, arguing that the current approach harms law-abiding citizens and businesses while failing to address crime effectively. He also advocated for the installation of CCTV systems in high-crime areas and increased undercover policing, stating, “I believe the approach to crime is too reactive. Undercover policing will make a massive difference.”

Despite the chaotic end to Tuesday’s meeting, the disruption to livelihoods has united the business community around a shared cause. Attorney-at-law Donahue Martin, who was asked to chair the meeting, expressed optimism about resolving the conflict between police and businesses. 

“The business people consider the curfew too onerous, and it has severely impacted their operations. They believe it is ineffective in reducing crime. The police need to engage the community more. The current approach cannot continue,” he said. Martin added that he expects the relationship between the community and police to improve soon, citing ongoing discussions between ASP Rankin and local leaders.

For business owners like Justin Hooper, a resolution cannot come soon enough. Many small businesses are struggling to survive under the curfew’s constraints, he contends. “I may have to send workers home because I won’t be able to pay them,” Hooper said. “I don’t know how I’ll cover my electricity bill, as I need to keep my fridge and equipment running. We need a better strategy to fight crime — one that doesn’t involve shutting down businesses.”

As Old Harbour Bay awaits the next meeting, the community remains hopeful for a balanced approach that addresses both security concerns and the economic needs of its residents.