MANCHESTER, Jamaica— Opposition spokesman on National Security, Senator Peter Bunting is calling on the Police High Command and Ministry of National Security to assign a service vehicle to the Alligator Pond policing area.

Speaking during a visit to Alligator Pond on Thursday, Bunting said it is “unacceptable” that the station, which is located in a remote area is under resourced.

“From Hurricane Beryl they have not had a working service vehicle to cover the wide police area that the Alligator Pond station services. In fact, this is the most remote station from the divisional headquarters in Mandeville. For the last month police personnel have had to use their own vehicles to respond to any emergency,” he said.

“They have had to use their own vehicles to bring their food for the prisoners. This is a prisoner station. If there was an emergency down here these officers would probably be held liable for not being able to address any illness or any unfortunate thing that might befall anyone of the prisoners,” he added.

Bunting, who is also the People’s National Party’s aspirant for Manchester Southern said security in the area is at risk.

“We are here today to make an appeal to the High Command to the Ministry of National Security. This is an unacceptable situation at the Alligator Pond Police Station, it is unfair to the police personnel who have to man it and it is unfair to the citizenry,” he said.

“Police are first responders to a whole series of emergencies, not just criminal events, it could be a motor vehicle accident and there is nothing now to serve the citizens,” he added.

Councillor Omar Robinson (People’s National Party, Alligator Pond division) expressed similar sentiments.

“I have lobbied on many occasions for at least two [vehicles] and to hear that there is none, it is quite alarming. Our safety has been compromised and even for the justice system for the prisoners to get to court that also has been compromised, because there is no service unit,” he said.

Bunting is also calling for improved solid waste collection in the area.

“In addition to the situation with the vehicles Beryl blew down a fence and a portion of a wall. Garbage is piled up at the station. The whole community of Alligator Pond is not serviced regularly… dogs and rats are scattering it about,” he said.

— Kasey Williams