- JUNIOR DOWIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas in discussion with PSOJ President Mrs. Beverley Lopez at the Police Training Programme Press Conference at the Hilton Hotel.
Earl Moxam, Senior Gleaner Writer
THE NEXT Prime Minister of Jamaica can expect an immediate demand for support for a new anti-crime thrust being planned by the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ).
PSOJ President Beverly Lopez has disclosed that the organisation has come up with a plan of action which will be presented to the new PM who is likely to emerge from this weekend's election for the leadership of the governing People's National Party (PNP).
She was speaking on 'Break-through', a new daily feature focusing on crime, during 'Good Evening Jamaica' on Power 106 FM.
"There is a small group of highly-placed private sector individuals who are working on such a programme, and out of an abundance of caution, they have made sure that each of the contenders (in the presidential race) has been brought into the loop," Lopez revealed.
DETERMINED
The private sector group, she said, was determined to secure the support of whoever emerges as Prime Minister from the PNP leadership transition for the initiative.
The PSOJ head declined to share details of the plan, sayingonly that it would focus on inner-city communities and bring a holistic approach to problem-solving, involving both an economic and a social dimension, in those communities.
There was, she conceded, a clear need to provide coordination for the many disparate initiatives being pursued in these communities in the effort to restore peace and order.
The latest PSOJ venture follows the organisation's efforts last year, including the Political Code of Conduct, which it got Members of Parliament to sign, distancing themselves from any connection with persons involved in crime.
That Code of Conduct was pressed on the parliamentarians, following an anti-crime rally in May at Emancipation Park in St. Andrew.
The much publicised rally was staged by the PSOJ in the wake of the murder of May Pen businessman Maurice Azan and his stepson, Lloyd Phang.
The murders marked a significant moment for the country's business leaders, many of whom closed their shops for half a day to attend the rally where they demanded strong action from the Government.
CODE OF CONDUCT
After some initial resistance and redrafting, the Political Code of Conduct was signed by most parliamentarians. It is now being printed in booklet form, at the request of Political Ombudsman, Rev. Herro Blair, for distribution to schools.
The Emancipation Park rally also produced commitments from PSOJ members to establish a fund to contribute meaningfully to various crime-fighting projects. Responding to criticisms that the donations have not lived up to expectations, Lopez is insisting that significant progress is being made.
FORENSIC ITEMS
"We have finally ordered the forensic items that GraceKennedy and Company had agreed to pay for. It is running well over the $5 five million they had promised, but we believe that they will cover the additional costs.
"We must also recognise that the cement company has allocated 1,000 bags of cement to be used as needed to repair police stations.
"Several other companies have also done additional work. The Port Maria Police Station has been completely refurbished through the efforts of some private companies - ICWI, Jamaica Producers, and Jamaica National. In New Kingston, the civic association continues to support and upkeep the police outpost."
