MONTEGO BAY, St James - Commissioner of Police Lucius Thomas yesterday urged community leaders in Montego Bay to vigorously lobby government to regulate squatter settlements which, he said, are sometimes breeding grounds for criminals.

THOMAS. behind the zinc fence and shacks are Jamaicans living in squalor

Addressing the St James, Combined Citizens Association and Neighbourhood Watches in Montego Bay, Thomas argued that many of the settlements - especially those in St James - have become unsightly, squalid slums.

"Behind the zinc fence and shacks are Jamaicans living in squalor, which can only lead to resentment at the rest of the country," he said. "These settlements have proven harmful not only to the tourism product, on which the economy of St James is founded, but also to persons living and working in close proximity."

Police officials have long argued that squatter settlements, with their narrow lanes and tightly packed houses, are hard to police.

Superintendent John Morris, who is in charge of crime for Area One, for example, has long complained of the challenges posed by the 19 squatter settlements in St James.

"In most of these communities, there is little or poor lighting, no roadway, no street signs and the squatting is taking place, most times, on high ground," Morris has noted in the past.

"When these criminals are on the high ground, they can see the police coming at all times; so this poses a challenge."
Yesterday, Thomas acknowledged the shortfall in low-cost housing in St James, and argued that consideration must be given to replacing the squatter settlements with proper housing solutions.

"Let your voices be heard in demanding proper infrastructure and amenities for the marginalised communities of St James," he urged the community leaders, as he challenged them to spearhead joint venture developments and economic activities with the government in the various squatter settlements.

"By partnering with the state in the delivery of shelter, you can help the police in their crime-fighting strategies, while offering a viable alternative to those young people who are redeemable and do not wish to live a life of crime," said Thomas.

Minister Grange tours new BBC studios

Guinness Sounds of Greatness creating a dancehall for everyone

Tarrus Riley shoots video for Start Anew