By Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

SPANISH TOWN, St. Catherine:

THE ST. Catherine Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday postponed the planned lockdown of businesses in Spanish Town to allow for their customers' preparation for Hurricane Ivan.

The lockdown was planned for yesterday in protest of the increasing crime rate in the Old Capital.

Speaking at a meeting of the St. Catherine Parish Development Committee at the St. Catherine Parish Council on Wednesday, Rudolph Greene, president of the chamber, said this was the first time it ever appeared that the business community as a collective group, was serious about tackling crime in Spanish Town.

He said many business operators had questioned the postponement of Thursday's lockdown but noted that it was "better" to facilitate last-minute preparations for any eventuality than to close all businesses. He said another date would be agreed on for a shutdown.

During the meeting, the chamber presented two computers valued at $100,000 to the St. Catherine Police to assist with their anti-crime initiative.

In handing over the computers, Mr. Greene said with 116 murders in the St. Catherine North Division between January 1 and September 7 this year, (40 per cent more than the same period last year), it was only prudent that the chamber assist the police in providing data on criminal elements.

Superintendent Wrenford Robinson, who received the computers on behalf of the police, said the equipment would be valuable properties.

Earlier this week, the Spanish Town police acquired five new motor vehicles to assist in their efforts against crime.

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