By Nagra Plunkett, Staff ReporterWESTERN BUREAU:
DR. HORACE Chang, Jamaica Labour Party deputy leader in charge of Area Council Four, is not convinced that the impending change in the leadership of the St. James Police Division will have a significant impact on the parish's crime problem.
"I am not optimistic, as I believe the changes that are required in the Police Force are far more fundamental," said Dr. Chang, who is also the Member of Parliament for North West St. James.
"The efforts to reach the young men of our inner-city communities must be more meaningful."
FAREWELL FOR AMOS
Senior Superintendent Paul Ferguson, who was the officer in charge of operations for the Area One Police Division, is slated to take over as the new head of the St. James Police Division today, replacing Superintendent New-ton Amos, who has been transferred back to the St. Andrew South Division.
"Let me bid farewell to Superintendent Amos and I must say that he has tried his best," said Dr. Chang in a press release on Tuesday.
"I now welcome SSP Ferguson and also offer him my co-operation as he will need more than equipment and good fortune to succeed."
Dr. Chang, whose North West St. James constituency is considered one of the most problematic areas for the police, said he was quite concerned about the significant increase in murders that was seen in the parish last year.
CONCERN OVER MURDERS
The politician, who last year had called for a crime summit on Montego Bay, noted that the parish has already recorded two murders since the start of 2004.
"SSP Ferguson is known to be a bright, young officer and it is hoped that his presence, along with the new institutional changes in this division, will help to improve the situation."
Looking at possible measures to help address some of problems facing St. James, Dr. Chang said there are ongoing discussions with the Social Development Commission.
"I will be putting forward a number of initiatives and hope that together we can find a way to resolve some the chronic social dysfunctions in the inner city."
In looking ahead to the new regime, businessman Winston Dear, the president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, said he would like to publicly invite SSP Ferguson to meet with the Chamber and the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Asso-ciation (JHTA). He added that he is looking forward to meeting and working with him.
Chang says Police Force needs fundamental reform
Nagra Plunkett
Staff Reporter
WESTERN BUREAU:
DR. HORACE Chang, Jamaica Labour Party deputy leader in charge of Area Council Four, is not convinced that the impending change in the leadership of the St. James Police Division will have a significant impact on the parish's crime problem.
"I am not optimistic, as I believe the changes that are required in the Police Force are far more fundamental," said Dr. Chang, who is also the Member of Parliament for North West St. James.
"The efforts to reach the young men of our inner-city communities must be more meaningful."
FAREWELL FOR AMOS
Senior Superintendent Paul Ferguson, who was the officer in charge of operations for the Area One Police Division, is slated to take over as the new head of the St. James Police Division today, replacing Superintendent New-ton Amos, who has been transferred back to the St. Andrew South Division.
"Let me bid farewell to Superintendent Amos and I must say that he has tried his best," said Dr. Chang in a press release on Tuesday.
"I now welcome SSP Ferguson and also offer him my co-operation as he will need more than equipment and good fortune to succeed."
CONCERN OVER MURDERS
Dr. Chang, whose North West St. James constituency is considered one of the most problematic areas for the police, said he was quite concerned about the significant increase in murders that was seen in the parish last year.
The politician, who last year had called for a crime summit on Montego Bay, noted that the parish has already recorded two murders since the start of 2004.
"SSP Ferguson is known to be a bright, young officer and it is hoped that his presence, along with the new institutional changes in this division, will help to improve the situation."
ADDRESSING PROBLEMS
Looking at possible measures to help address some of problems facing St. James, Dr. Chang said there are ongoing discussions with the Social Development Commission.
"I will be putting forward a number of initiatives and hope that together we can find a way to resolve some the chronic social dysfunctions in the inner city."
In looking ahead to the new regime, businessman Winston Dear, the president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, said he would like to publicly invite SSP Ferguson to meet with the Chamber and the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA). He added that he is looking forward to meeting and working with him.
