THE issue surrounding the use of the Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre by students in light of the recent article published by the Jamaica Observer has raised several concerns. There have been reports of students fighting, lingering, engaging in sexual acts, robbery and not boarding buses on time.

One thing is for sure, these activities did not just start to happen. This type of behaviour has been occurring since the very inception of the Transport Centre, an issue the public has been aware of.

Based on these reactions of shock, surprising comments and suggestions to combat the issue: Do you think that there was an overreaction by the public to the situation in the Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre?

The transport centre was supposed to be a place where people could safely and easily be transported to their destination. However, it was never the intention for it to be a haven for criminal actions and immoral behaviour. Therefore, I do believe the reaction of the public was understandable and that the society needs to deal with these problems before it becomes the norm and acceptable. Thus, there needs to be constant patrolling of the centre and better monitoring of the security system.

— Sidni Fullerton

An overreaction is fitting to describe the actions of the public regarding the behaviour of students in the Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre. Why? Because this has existed even before the infrastructure existed. Downtown, like Half-Way-Tree, has long been a meeting area for teens for various activities. Fights, sexual activities, etc, have all taken place in these dominant areas of transport, but have long been ignored. The matter coming to light has been long overdue.

— Kristopher Thompson

Yes, in the case where the public knows how the youth of this society are currently behaving, so they would know that they are already engaging in these kinds of activities. However, some people may have not have known they are behaving in such a manner, so it was shocking to them when the article was published. I was shocked when the article was published. I didn’t know it had reached this bad state, so quickly. I think this situation should be dealt with.

— Che’vaughn Reid

If anyone would see it as an overreaction by the public, then those persons are not interested in the protection of the youth and in essence the protection of the future. I support the initiative to combat the issue of indiscipline in the transport centre as it is a public area and there should be a set moral code.

— Christina Ferguson

The reaction is very necessary. Some of the issues have been around for a while, yes, but it is just being made public. These issues need to be addressed hence it was a good move in making it public. Light needs to be shed on what is happening. Something is finally being done about it.

— Kadi Shields