MONTEGO BAY, St James — CENTRAL St James Member of Parliament Lloyd B Smith says the resort city of Montego Bay is being overrun by prostitutes, vendors and rogue taxi operators.

“I have a major concern about Montego Bay at this time. Downtown Montego Bay spells one word — chaos,” said Smith, emphasising that “at nights the entire city becomes something that we ought not to be proud of.”

“At nights the city is taken over by three elements,” he declared.

“First there are the prostitutes — downtown Montego Bay is now a red light district for all intents and purposes. You drive through Montego Bay after 9:00 pm at your own risk. If you stop anywhere in the city you may find yourself being propositioned by ladies of the night offering themselves. They are going after everyone, from the handcart men to schoolboys, anyone they can get.”

He added that the taxi operators seem to have no regard for law and order, while vendors appear to be taking over the city.

Smith, who is also the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, was speaking at the recent launch of the CUMI Come Run at Robin’s Prime Steakhouse in Montego Bay.

Stressing that “we cannot continue like this”, he told the gathering that he has scheduled a meeting with Mayor of Montego Bay Glendon Harris to discuss the matter.