By Robert Lalah, Staff ReporterTHE JAMAICA Junior Chamber has recommended a new crime fighting strategy called Operation Cease Fire, to combat the perennial crime problem facing Spanish Town, St. Catherine.
Operation Cease Fire comprises a total of six recommendations which the organisation says will drastically reduce the crime level and help to restore social order in the town.
The first two recommendations involved an immediate intervention into the economic situation facing residents. The group is calling for training to be provided for young people to make them more marketable to businesses and construction projects such as Highway 2000, as well as the implementation of creative employment opportunities.
The Jamaica Junior Chamber also believes that a decisive and swift approach to crime which targets criminals, especially gun crimes, needs to be in place. The group suggests that additional resources, such as adequate working vehicles and computers for criminal profile, be provided to the police to assist in their fight against crime.
MORE POSITIVE ACTIVITIES
The final two recommendations made by the organisation include the development of heritage tourism, as well as the publicising of more of the positive activities occurring in Spanish Town and St. Catherine in general.
Maurice Green, president of the Jamaica Junior Chamber, said if these measures are implemented they should have a positive impact on the residents of Spanish Town.
"We believe that one of the factors hindering development in Spanish Town is the people's perception of themselves and their community. If these measures are put in place, the training for young people, the promotion of heritage tourism and the publicising of the good things about the area, then residents will develop a greater perception of themselves and their community," he said. "People in general seem to enjoy being a part of positive things. If we get these measures off the ground then I'm sure many people will jump unto the bandwagon."
