The Ocho Rios police were last week presented with two television sets and two desktop computers from the St Ann Chamber of Commerce to assist in crime fighting in the resort town.

President of the St Ann Chamber of Commerce Oral Heaven said the donation, valued at $200,000, was made because its members want to assist in the fight against crime in Ocho Rios.

“Technology is a major crime-fighting tool,” said Heaven who was speaking at a handing-over ceremony at the police station last Wednesday.

According to Heaven, the televisions are equipped to be used as closed circuit camera monitors.

In light of this, Heaven called on business operators to help in raising $20 million towards the installation of closed circuit cameras in the town.

The Tourism Enhancement Fund has contributed $57 million towards the project and the business community is being asked to contribute an additional $20 million,” he pointed out.

“The onus is on the business community to work together to raise the funds,” he added.

Appealing to the business community to support the implementation of the cameras in the town, Heaven said crime and harassment continue to plague the resort town, with persons being robbed in “broad daylight”.

“The onus is on us to continue to assist the police in their crime-fighting effort,” he reiterated.

Heaven called on all stakeholders to work to expose criminals and to report crimes.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Throyville Haughton said the police was grateful for the donation.

“It will no doubt add to the efficiency of our business process,” he said, adding “they are going to go a far way.”

ASP Haughton, who was speaking at the ceremony, said he hoped other businesses will join the fight against crime in Ocho Rios.

Juline Henry, executive assistant and head of accounts and operations at Tingles Distributors, which helped to make the donation possible, said the company intends to do more to assist the community.

-Renae Dixon

CAPTIONS

(police donation 2)

ACP Throyville Haughton and members of his team accept the donation from Oral Heaven, president of the St Ann Chamber of Commerce (third right). Sharing in the occasion are (from left) Inspector Anthony Wilson, Inspector Webster James, Juline Henry, executive assistant and head of accounts and operations at Tingles Distributors, and businessman and member of the St Ann Chamber Hugh Tingle.

(police donation) Items donated by the St Ann Chamber of Commerce.

(Photos: Renae Dixon)