VOX POP: Do you agree with the 60-day ZOSO extension in Mount Salem?
Parliament on Tuesday approved a request by Prime Minister Andrew Holness to extened the zone of special operations in Mount Salem, St James, which has been in effect since September 1, by another 60 days.
The inner-city community was declared the island’s first ZOSO.
The Jamaica Observer West yesterday took to the streets of Montego Bay and asked residents: “Do you agree with the 60-day extension of the zone of special operations (ZOSO) in the Mount Salem area?
Here are some of their responses:
Michael Troupe, PNP councillor
No. I don’t agree with it. It’s only 5,200 people living in this division (Mount Salem) and you have 300,000 people in the parish (St James).They should rotate the police all over the parish. Four days here, and four days there. I am totally against the extension.
Phillip Barker, labourer
I don’t have a problem with the zone of special operations because it keeps the crime down in the area. The government should extend it for another six months.
Giffrey Lewis, videographer
No. I don’t agree with it. There are more violent areas in St James where every week people are dying. The security forces need to go to places like Flanker and Salt Spring where the people are living in fear. Residents would at least feel safe if ZOSO go there.
Petgrave Woodrow, businessman
No. From the zone of special operations start in Mount Salem, my business on Piggott Street in the zone get bad. People don’t want to come by, so I feel very disappointed about the extension of ZOSO.
Antonio McKoy, businessman
Yes. I agree with the extension. It should also be expanded to other areas in St James. They should also use the traffic cops to help fight crime now, more than fighting the taxi operators.
Gannett Mullings, receptionist
Yes. It’s a good idea, but I don’t see anything happening in Mount Salem. They should go to other areas also.
Mackie Conscious, singer
No. I do not agree with it. There is no violence in Mount Salem. It would be better if the soldiers go in and out….every criminal know that they (security forces) are there, so they will hide. They (security forces) should go away and come back sudden.
Collett British, businesswoman
Yes. I agree with the extension. At least they (security forces) are in Montego Bay area. They should next go in the downtown area and search all migrating criminals.
