NEGRIL, Westmoreland — A planned peace march through sections of Negril floundered on Thursday after the police team failed to show, leaving residents frustrated and annoyed.

Residents had joined Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Western, Morland Wilson alongside representatives from the business community, eager to bring attention to a marginal uptick in crime and encourage those involved in wrongdoing — especially the youngsters — to stay on the straight path. They were relying on a police chaperone to provide a sense of security as they made their way through some of the tougher areas of the resort town.

“Unfortunately, again, the police did not turn up. I don’t know why, but I am very much disappointed to know that the neighbourhood watch is doing their part to help with the crime situation and the police, who are supposed to partner with us, failed us again,” stated president of the Westmoreland Neighbourhood Council, Lyndon Johnson.

He said the only member of the JCF at the event was Zone Four commander for Little London and Negril, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Shaunjaye Mitchell. The Jamaica Observer was later informed that the rest of the police team were reassigned to another activity, which resulted in them being absent.

Johnson said while there was also no support from the Church, the police’s absence was the fatal blow.

“We had at least 60 to 70 persons here to start the march but we cannot go through a community without security, which is very important,” he said.

Assistant secretary for the Whitehall Citizens’ Association, Laurette Nelson was equally unhappy with the turn of events, describing it as a waste of time.

“This is the second march that I have come out to and it has not happened. It is really upsetting and annoying because Negril is going through so much right now. People need to say what they need to say and show that they do not approve,” she said.

She is concerned that there is a lack of unity in having the issue of crime addressed.

While data was not readily available up to press time, police sources said there has been a marginal uptick in murders and shootings in Negril since the start of the year.

DSP Mitchell, who was on spot from 8:00 am, made it clear that the march had the police force’s full support. He stressed that it is viewed as an important activity that can help with conflict resolution, crime reduction, and making the community safer in general. He noted that the initiative would have assisted the police in further cementing their position in the community, “which will help us now to have a greater impact at reducing crime and saving lives”.

DSP Mitchell added, “As part of our mandate we have to serve, protect, and reassure citizens — and as part of that we have to look at how the citizens are involved in this process and how they can help to impact others in the community to the benefit of the communities themselves.”

The police officer said several strategies have been implemented to deal with crime in the area. Among them are joint military/police patrols in West End, sections of Reground, Nampriel Road, and Whitehall.

Thursday’s failed march was supposed to be an opportunity to engage with mostly the youngsters in areas that have seen an uptick in crime, in addition to building awareness and boosting membership of the parish’s neighbourhood council, which members of the public are welcome to join.