LETTER OF THE DAY - Naked men harassing New Kingston residents

THE EDITOR, Sir:

Over the last 12 months, the number of men and boys gathering at the park across from the former Super Plus supermarket on Trafalgar Road, St Andrew, has grown. We believe that certain elements of the society are taking a stand to exercise their rights to be naked and carry on with other activities in public.

On the morning of Emancipation Day last week, upon driving with my sons, we were flagged down by these men and boys. Ten minutes before writing this letter, I called the police, who informed me that since 8 a.m. (it is now 10:06 a.m.) they have been receiving calls about these activities. Since it is a holiday, the police officer explained that it is just an extension of the activities that have taken place every weekend over the last year. Further, when the males in question are arrested for indecency, they simply pay the fine to the court and return to their gathering spot.

Apparently, there are a number of abandoned homes in New Kingston/Trafalgar Park where these men have captured and live. They then simply walk down the street and frolic naked in the park.

And it doesn't stop there:

1. Petty theft is on the rise in the communities surrounding the New Kingston business district. Anything that can be sold is removed. Plants, male undergarments left on the clothes line; construction materials; garden furniture, etc.

2. After certain hours, going to the NCB ABM is hazardous. Not in the sense of the actual ABM that has 24-hour security, but when you leave the secure area, these men and boys strike.

3. Persons who walk (mainly women) - helpers and those who want to exercise - are not safe from harassment and are even being followed. Worse, when these men and boys get into fights, they include anyone passing by in the mix-up.

Is this where the rights of certain people are leading to? The right to be naked and carry on in broad daylight? The right to steal and harass people? Also, the police appear unable to control the situation, as the court fines are not a deterrent. These men and boys have human rights, yet the persons who speak out against them do not have human rights.

What can residents do? I have sons, and they are now being targeted by these roaming naked men.

Help us!

CONCERNED CITIZEN

LIVING IN NEW KINGSTON