KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Association of Transport Owners and Operators (JATOO) says it is strongly opposing the removal of Senior Superintendent of Police Steve McGregor from his command post in West Kingston.

SSP McGregor has demonstrated his ability to effectively deal with the scourge of extortion on transport operators in the bus termini of downtown Kingston, the association said in a release Thursday afternoon.

“Operators who use the Darling Street and Pechon Street bus termini have reported that the level of extortion have been reduced. They also have access to the police and a new sense of cooperation now exists under Mr McGregor with all who use the area,” JATOO said in the release.

It added that: “Extortion and disruptive behaviour in transportation accounts for over 30 per cent of some bus operator’s income in these areas. JATOO estimates that islandwide extortion amounts to J$7,000,000 daily”.

JATOO said in a letter to Police Commissioner Dr Carl Williams it asked that SSP McGregor remain as the Western Kingston command, as the Jamaica Constabulary Force must have qualified officers to put in St James where SSP McGregor is slated to go.

Removing SSP McGregor from Western Kingston is reverting to a situation where extortionists have freedom to operate, JATOO said.