Ross Sheil, Staff Reporter
THOMAS
THE JAMAICA Constabulary Force (JCF) and the private sector are to establish a joint committee to address crime, said Commissioner of Police Lucius Thomas.
This arose from a brain-storming session hosted by the commissioner with officers past and present and private sector representatives at Club India, Lady Musgrave Road, St. Andrew on Wednesday evening.
In a discretely organised meeting that lasted from 4:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., participants discussed a range of issues and short and long-term solutions to crime, including the need to change legislation in response to police demands.
Mr. Thomas, on leaving the meeting, told The Gleaner that the discussions had been fruitful.
"We explored ideas as to the crime situation: What they see and what they recommend. The private sector has promised whatever help it can give the police, financial and otherwise. The discussions were frank and fruitful and a committee will be formed to further this, consisting of police and private sector members," said Commissioner Thomas.
MEETING CLASH
He downplayed the significance of the meeting having occurred on the same day as the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica's (PSOJ) anti-crime rally, for which he expressed qualified support. "Whilst I do not support the lockdown, I support their stance to be against crime and for law and order. I am saying that everyone must play their role and I support that very much," he stressed.
Wednesday night's meeting, the commissioner said, was one of many that the JCF had been conducting with the private sector.
Speaking to The Gleaner at Club India, Francis X. Kennedy, chief projects officer at GraceKennedy Ltd., and fourth vice-president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, described the event as ensuring that all parties involved were "on the same page."
"There are a number of initiatives by the private sector and coming out of this meeting, we realised that we are often unaware of what each other is doing. We can do more collectively."
The commissioner will be appointing police personnel to the committee; members of the private sector will be appointed by Noel daCosta, president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) and Mr. Kennedy who is president of the JCC's Urban Renewal Committee. The committee should number seven or eight persons said Mr. Kennedy.
"A summary of the discussions is being prepared for the first meeting on Thursday when the recommendations will be discussed. These will then be made out to government, the private sector and civil society," he added.
