MANCHESTER, Jamaica – Against the backdrop of citizens and business people in Porus complaining about how a long-running curfew there has affected their livelihood, police say the measure will be lifted on Monday, March 17, with the hope that the area remains free of major crimes.

Head of the Manchester police, Deputy Superintendent Carey Duncan told business people, citizens and politicians on Friday evening that he will not ask for an extension of the curfew after Monday.

“I know the curfews have been a little bit strenuous on you economically, we know that and we certainly do not wish to continue for you to bear the economic burden of not being able to operate your businesses, so as a team here I am committing to say to you that come Monday when this curfew will expire, I as the commander won’t be asking for an extension of these curfews, but I am asking for that on the premise that as a community you will work with us, you will do whatever you can,” he said at an impromptu meeting beside the Porus police station.

Duncan’s announcement follows the chaos that erupted on Wednesday at a planned town hall at the Trinity Baptist Church where some residents stormed out during an address by operations officer for Manchester, Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Lohas Daniels when he did not give a definitive timeline to lift the curfew and the manner in which he referenced the loss of lives compared to livelihood.

Duncan subtly apologised for the manner in which the matter was addressed by Daniels.

“We had a very big meeting on Wednesday, so probably the message was not transmitted the way we wanted it to be transmitted and hence the reason as the commander I am here in the rain today to try and set the record straight for you to understand what we want and what you can give to us,” said Duncan.

Mandeville Mayor Donovan Mitchell and Porus Councillor Claudia Morant Baker told residents that they are willing to partner with the police to maintain order in Porus.

“I have had the commitment from the mayor and your councillor that you are going to do whatever you can to ensure that Porus remains a peaceful and tranquil community. Somewhere we can coexist and have fun,” said Duncan while adding that he would support entertainment activities there.

“I like round robins, but I have to go to a round robin in a safe space, so if you are having a round robin down here and you say ‘super we are having a round robin on the block’. I want to be able to come, but I won’t come if I think something is going to happen to me,” he said.

“So if the space is safe and you want to invite me to come and sit with you in a social setting I certainly will come, but make the place safe. Help us to make the place safe, so that we can enjoy the community,” he added.
– Kasey Williams