Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Three locations critical to Jamaica's economy are to benefit from increased security during the next four months, according to Minister of Tourism, Entertainment and Culture, Aloun Assamba.

Minister Assamba and Gilbert Scott, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, signed a memorandum of understanding to implement the new strategies at her New Kingston office yesterday.

Through this agreement, the Tourism Enhancement Fund will provide the monies for the establishment of mobile police stations and the installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) units at 14 points in New Kingston, Ocho Rios, St. Ann, and Montego Bay, St. James.

The CCTV units will monitor criminal activity along the Knutsford Boulevard section of New Kingston, the capital's commercial hub, as well as the resort areas of Ocho Rios and the Montego Bay Hip Strip.

"The Ministry of Tourism Entertainment and Culture is doing its part towards a partnership of police, Government and the community which we expect will reap benefits in reducing crime and fear of crime," Minister Assamba said.

"We are focusing on the Hip Strip, Knustford Boulevard and Ocho Rios which are not only inhabited by visitors, but scores of hard-working citizens of Jamaica."

The mobile units will cost $23.5 million while it will take $8.9 million to set up the CCTV cameras. They will be funded directly through the Tourism Enhancement Fund which was established through the Tourism Enhancement Act passed in Parliament in December 2004.