Leon Jackson
Ever since Water Square was made into a pedestrian only area, in Falmouth, there has been a flagrant disobedience of the law by many transport operators especially those who ply the route between Montego Bay and Falmouth.
This defiance has seen Duke Street in chaos as those who describe themselves as “Back up men”, co-operating with drivers, refuse to use the designated ‘Transport Centre’ that admittedly has some glaring weaknesses.
At the start of the school term there was order on the streets. The police came out in numbers and the operators were forced to use the Transport Centre. Offenders were ticketed left right and centre. I am not opposed to the issuing of tickets by the police. I was flabbergasted to see Municipal Police with ticket books in hand issuing tickets. I did not know that the training they got included operating as police officers. When the Jamaica Constabulary Force was incorporated I did not see anywhere that Municipal Police were among them.
Now, at the last Mayor’s Forum, the mayor said added responsibilities were to be given the Municipal Police. I Did not know that it would include them being Police Officers. They are out distributing tickets while two chains from where three of them were operating, a heap of garbage was deposited by a commercial operator, and no ticket was issued.
I have said there is targeting of certain kinds of vehicles. On Saturday, August 30, a wedding ceremony was held at the William Knibb Baptist Church. The Parking Lot in the church yard was full, and many vehicles were parked on the outside. A Municipal Officer looked at the line of cars and clamped the one with the most tattered look. The Rev. Devere Nugent said that he had been told by the commercial officer Mr Malcolm that when there are functions at the church , the clamping should not be done, yet this was done to this driver who had to pay a fine of $2,500.00.
The Mayor had also indicated that the market district would be extended. To all observers except the Mayor, the commercial officer and the Municipal Police, the market is starting right under the bridge at the end of market Street. Questions to be asked: is this operator of a market stall under the bridge paying a market fee? Do the police realize that the stall is blocking the view of drivers who need to come out onto the major road heading either into Falmouth or going on to Wakefield? Am I to assume that once you do not drive a taxi or operate a motor car not licenced as a Public Passenger Vehicle then you can get away with anything, especially if you own a tram car operating from the Pier owned by Royal Caribbean Line.
A picture tells a thousand words so take a look at these.
