Claude Mills and Gareth Davis, Staff ReportersA BOMB exploded in a mini-mart populated by noon-time shoppers in Port Antonio, Portland yesterday, after the proprietor allegedly ignored a million-dollar extortion attempt by unknown persons.
A fruit vendor was reportedly injured in the blast, while the roof of the building was extensively damaged. Glass windows were shattered, and several cars parked nearby were damaged by the bomb's shock waves.
According to eyewitness reports, the incident triggered panic among customers, who quickly ran from the badly damaged building in fear for their lives. Some concerned residents are calling the incident an 'act of terrorism'.
"I went out there this afternoon to inspect the damage but the place was cordoned off by the police. I am very disturbed by what is happening, the courthouse is now abandoned because it was burnt out, and with this spate of violence ... we are very concerned," Mayor of Port Antonio Alston Hunter said
yesterday.
According to police sources, the Uptown Mini-mart off Folly Road in Port Antonio was bombed by unknown assailants at about 12:15 p.m. after its operator failed to meet a $1 million demand made by a caller.
They note that businessman and operator, Michael 'Sassa Frass' Grant, reportedly received a telephone call at about 10:30 a.m. yesterday from a caller, who demanded a deposit of $1 million to an account at a prominent bank in Half-Way Tree St. Andrew.
"Mr. Grant indicated to us after thebombing of his supermarket that he had received a call at about 10:30 a.m.," one police source explained. "The caller had demanded that $1 million was to be deposited, by Mr. Grant to a bank in Half-Way Tree."
The police source noted that the situation may have been treated lightly by Mr. Grant as no reports of the demand or threat had been made to the station prior to the bombing. The source also said that at noon, a bomb went off at the business complex, while shoppers were inside.
"Mr. Grant also indicated to us that the caller had told him that failure to comply with the demand would result in attempts on his life, property and family members," the police source added.
The Gleaner was unable to contact Mr. Grant yesterday.
Many residents, in condemning the act, are fearful that the incident could have an adverse impact on future investments in Port Antonio.
MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS
The town of Port Antonio is poised for major development as it has been reported that billionaire Michael Lee Chin, chairman of the NCB Group, has earmarked the parish for major tourism related projects.
A bomb squad from Kingston is already in the town, conducting forensic tests at the bomb site. Up to late last night, the businessman was being interviewed by detectives from the Criminal Investigative Branch (CIB), in regards to the bombing.
Yesterday, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice A.J. Nicholson refused to comment on the matter saying: "The matter is still under investigation, I cannot comment on that right now."
In the meantime, the controversial Terrorism Prevention Bill is still in limbo. Last month, a joint select committee, chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade K.D. Knight, was expected to have one final meeting to sign off on its report which will be sent back to the House of Representatives. The House will then debate the Bill which the Government wants fast-tracked to be passed in Parliament before year-end.
