Adrian Frater, News Editor

The clock tower on Barnett Street, Montego Bay, from which the bell was reportedly stolen Monday night. - Photo by Noel Thompson

WESTERN BUREAU:

The historic clock at the top of Barnett Street in Montego Bay was vandalised on Monday night and the brass bell, which formed the pendulum, stolen.

"It is an absolute disgrace. I couldn't believe it when I heard it," commented Montego Bay businessman Mark Kerr-Jarrett.

"I have spoken to the parish council and they know nothing about it. This is most distressing. As a community we must do something to recover it," he added.

Legendary

The clock has almost become legendary, to the extent that the area where it is located, is often referred to as 'Upper Clock' by Montegonians.

Business operators in the area reported that, at the end of the business day on Monday, the clock was intact. However, when they returned on Tuesday morning, the three-foot high brass bell was gone.

Mr. Kerr-Jarrett is surmising that the bell, which has been part of the Montego Bay landscape for several decades, may have been stolen by persons who want to use the brass bell as scrap iron.

When the St. James Parish Council was contacted, Suzette Brown, its community relations officer, said she was aware of the council effecting repairs to the clock tower with a view to replacing the structure.

However, she could not state who was responsible for taking the brass bell.

"I can't tell you anything about the brass bell but what I can tell you is that a new clock has been donated to the parish council and will be installed sometime in the near future," Ms. Brown stated.