The Hon. Karl Hendrickson, O.J., head of the National Continental Corporation Group, has a word last night at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, with Beverly Lopez (left), president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, after he was inducted into the PSOJ's Hall of Fame. At centre is Greta Bogues, chief executive officer of the PSOJ. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer THE CONSULTATIVE Committee which is charged with overseeing the implementation of the recommendations of the National committee on Crime and Violence yesterday expressed deep concern about the growing problem and effects of extortion in Jamaica.
It was established by the Ministry of National Security.
According to a news release from the committee, serious concerns were expressed about the "pervasiveness of extortion in both urban and rural Jamaica", which it said has "become a common feature of doing business in many commercial areas and on construction sites, including roads and bridges."
The committee is, therefore, calling on "the entire political leadership of the country to publicly denounce all acts of extortion, and to encourage their constituents to support the security forces in enforcing the laws of Jamaica."
It noted that the practice would only serve to undermine the rule of law as the perpetrators establish a parallel and illegal system of protection. The resulting consequences, it said, would result in increased costs to legitimate businesses, higher costs for goods and services and a general disincentive to investment in Jamaica. It is calling on citizens to resist being intimidated by criminal elements and seek the assistance of the security forces in gaining protection.
URGES SECURITY FORCES TO SPARE NO EFFORT
It is urging the security forces "to spare no effort in enforcing the rule of law, without fear or favour, and in eradicating all vestiges of extortion, whenever and wherever it occurs."
The 23 members of the committee include representatives of the Church, the universities, non-governmental agencies and various government ministries and governmental agencies.
