WESTERN BUREAU:
MONDAY TURNED out to be a day of roadblocks and skirmishes between the security forces and citizens as the law enforcers and scores of angry residents traded words, blame and blows.
However, the protest in Flankers have had no discernible impact on business in Montego Bay, as tensions re-awakened in the resort city.
"There is no evidence that the outbreak of violence in Flankers is affecting businesses inside Montego Bay negatively," said Winston Dear, president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
"However, residents must hold sway or the violence could get out of control and have serious effects on tourism and commerce."
INVESTIGATIONS UNDER WAY
Mr. Dear said further that as the investigations into Saturday's shooting incidents get under way, the chamber "will certainly be asking a lawyer to watch the proceedings and make sure it is done in a proper way."
As the clashes grew more intense, the protesters pelted the police with stones and bottles, and they responded with teargas and shots fired in the air.
The 22 persons detained yesterday were later arrested on charges ranging from breaches of the Solid Waste Act, assault at common law, destruction of property, to stone throwing.
The volatility forced the closure of Flankers Primary and Junior High School yesterday.
Mr. Dear has welcomed the move by the Security Minister to respond positively to his association's call for a meeting with the residents of Flankers, as well as business leaders in the second city.
He also expressed confidence in the Police Public Complaints Authority (PPCA) to conduct independent investigations into the Flankers incident, but is reiterating the need for transparency.
"I think the investigations from the Police Public Complaints Authority should be adequate," he told The Gleaner.
- E.J.K.
