KSAMC, police vow public order ahead of Christmas rush

The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), along with key stakeholders, have finalised preparations for the Christmas season, with a strong warning that public order will be strictly enforced.

At a final subcommittee meeting held on Friday, representatives from various groups, including the police and transport operators, reviewed arrangements to manage increased commercial and pedestrian activity during the festive period.

Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, cautioned seasonal vendors that they must register with the KSAMC, stressing that unregistered vending will not be tolerated. He also urged vendors to keep roadways clear to allow the free flow of vehicular traffic, particularly in busy commercial areas.

"We want to make sure that we keep the roadway clear so that vehicular traffic can run smooth," he said adding that seasonal vendors "need to be registered".

Swaby noted that the Jamaica Public Service Company has repaired several streetlights, but said the police have requested that additional non-functional lights in specific locations be urgently addressed to improve public safety.

"I know as a society that there are some of us who have the wrong reasons; they come downtown or they come to Kingston for the wrong reasons, which we're not proud of. Just stay away from doing those things," the mayor said, addressing persons who want to target shoppers.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent Damion Manderson, head of the St Andrew South police, said the police will take a firm approach to maintaining public order throughout the Christmas season.

He said there is a policy for "full deployment" across the Kingston and St Andrew Metropolitan Region for the holidays.

"We sending a strong message to hoodlums who might seek to want to prey on unsuspecting commuters and people operating across to say that 'we are out and if we're out it means that criminals must behave'," he said.

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