Scores of organisations have pledged commitment to closing their shutters in support of the private sector’s anti-crime protest.
The business lockdown is the first of a three-day initiative, spearheaded by the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, in response to the prevailing high-crime rate, which has resulted in more than 630 murders to date this year. These murders include nine members of the police force, five of whom were murdered during this month, according to the Jamaica Gleaner.
The lockdown of commercial activities will culminate in a mass meeting at Emancipation Park in New Kingston. At the mass gathering, a roll call of those murdered since the start of the year will be read.
Today’s planned lockdown, which will not affect schools, has received backing from several business associations including: Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association, Jamaica Exporters’ Association, Jamaica Agricultural Society, Jamaica Employers’ Federation, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Jamaica Bankers Association, and the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Audrey Hinchcliffe, president of the JEF, in addressing the opening session of the federation’s 23rd Annual Convention on the weekend, said that her members joined the rest of the private sector in issuing a strong, clear and resounding condemnation of the criminal elements, which are threatening to overrun Jamaica.
Beverley Lopez, president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica , has implored politicians to lead by example in the tussle against crime or be prepared to be voted out of office.
Pointing to the link between politicians and criminals, Mrs. Lopez said lawmakers needed to set a better example if a national consensus against crime is to be built.
“They need to show … they need to reaffirm their appreciation for the rule of law and order. Then we can … judge them by that affirmation. And, if they don’t meet their words then we have a vote and we can exercise it,” she said.
Mrs. Lopez made it clear that it is not the private sector’s intention to “give Government a hard time”, arguing that the three-day initiative is “Jamaicans standing up for Jamaica”. But she added, “We need to become much more demanding of our politicians and they need to know that.”
Mrs. Lopez said that an ‘action list’ is to be read out at today’s event at Emancipation Park, which organisers say politicians and civil society must adhere to in the fight against crime. She was mum on the contents of the action plan, except to say that it was, “short, succinct and to the point.” Monsignor Richard Albert, who will be opening today’s proceedings with prayer, said that while it is a symbolic gesture, the lockdown by itself will not suffice. “… It is one of the many things that has to be done to show that the country has a united front in saying no to crime and letting those in our society committing crime know that we are united against crime.”
Bishop Herro Blair, head of the Peace Management Initiative commented, “It is unfortunate that police officers and others in the high echelon of society have to die to create this impact,” he said.
While pledging his support for the initiative, Wayne Jones, president of the Jamaica Civil Service Association, insisted that business operators should desist from submitting to demands being made by extortionists.
“It is no secret that some of these violent and criminal networks are funded from extortion money … this lifeline should be cut off,” he said.
While regular business will be disrupted, Dorrett Campbell, director of communications at the Ministry of Education, said it should be business as usual in all schools today. She noted, however, that if transport is affected by the protest then schools might be disrupted.
While the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (PSOJ) supports the PSOJ in their protest against the surging crime rate, schools will not be closing.
“The JTA is in solidarity with the PSOJ (but) in terms of actually closing schools, that’s out of the question,” said Michael Clarke, president of the JTA.
The Police High Command has also committed its support for the initiative and has pledged to provide adequate security for today’s lockdown.
“We have worked out our security detail,” Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas told The Gleaner yesterday afternoon.
He said Acting Assistant Commissioner, Owen Ellington, has been working closely with personnel from the private sector’s planning team.
Commissioner Thomas said all activities organised by the PSOJ would be policed.
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