Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

The local tourism sector is becoming increasingly jittery as a consequence of the ongoing wage impasse between rank-and-file members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and Government, which this week left several resort towns with only token police presence.

"While nothing has happened to date, we can't just sit around and wait for something to happen before we begin to express our concerns," Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Associa-tion President Horace Peterkin told The Gleaner yesterday.

"With the type of reputation we have, I think it is quite dangerous to leave the nation's security on autopilot."

Since Tuesday, hundreds of police personnel across the island have been calling in sick as part of an overall strategy to get Government to treat their wage claim in a manner more favourable to them. The Government is contending that it is not in a position to make a better offer than the one that is currently on the table.

Traffic is a mess

"The absence of traffic police from the streets of Montego Bay has left the city's traffic situation in a mess, and I understand the situation is much the same in Negril," said Mr. Peterkin. "Maybe the time has come for the Prime Minister and the Minister of National Security to intervene in the dispute, as it would appear that the junior minister now handling the matter is not getting anywhere with it."

In addition to the chaotic traffic situation, Mr. Peterkin said he was quite worried that sensitive tourism areas such as the Montego Bay Hip Strip, which carries a high volume of visitors daily, is currently without its customary strong police presence.

When The Gleaner visited the Hip Strip yesterday, true to Mr. Peterkin's words, it was devoid of its usual strong contingent of police personnel on foot patrol. However, the customary mood of relaxation was there with visitors moving around, seemingly oblivious to the absence of the police.

Mr. Peterkin said his concerns were not only about the safety of visitors, but he was also worried about workers from the volatile areas getting to work and back home safely each day.

"The safety of our workers and other residents is of paramount concern," said Mr. Peterkin. "There are so many unfortunate things that can happen without the police around to provide security."