While National Security Minister Dr. Peter Phillips made a second attempt to coerce members of the Police Federation to cease their protest action, the island's security and court proceedings were again severely disrupted yesterday as hundreds of policemen and women remained off the job for a third straight day.

Public relations officer for the federation, Sergeant David White, told The Gleaner last night that there was no guarantee that the rank-and-file members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), who have been on a sick-out since Tuesday, would resume normal duties today. However, he admitted that "some progress" had been made during the talks between the federation's executive members and the Security Minister. Those talks were still under way up to press time last night.

The Police Federation is pressing the Government for a 45 per cent increase in year one and 30 per cent in year two. But the Government has offered 12.5 per cent in year one and five per cent in the second year.

Yesterday, the situation was the same as several courts were suspended and most police stations ran on a skeletal staff.

Court proceedings suspended

In the western end of the island, for the third consecutive day, court proceedings were suspended in St. James where more than 100 police officers also called in sick. There was also no police presence on the road.

Jamaica Defence Force soldiers and special constables of the Island Special Constabulary Force were deployed across the island to assist with the crisis.

In Manchester, the sick-out continued to have a debilitating effect.

There were reports of tension in the parish as residents raised concerns about the protracted absence of the police.

However, special and district constables continued to maintain the peace in major towns while court cases were postponed. Wednesday night there were two reports of felonious wounding in the parish.

In the Corporate Area, court proceedings were again suspended and several police stations reported that few police officers had reported for duty. The Police Traffic Department also reported challenges in executing its duties due to the significant number of its personnel reporting sick.

However, head of the department, Senior Superintendent Ealan Powell, said basic operations were being carried out.