Downtown Open for Business

The security forces are advising members of the public, living and working in downtown Kingston, especially operators of businesses in the area, that they can now return to work and conduct their normal business safely.
The security forces will facilitate the free movement of citizens, who wish to go about their lawful business and have assured that all measures will be put in place to ensure the safety of the public.
Speaking with JIS News today (May 26), Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Hon. Daryl Vaz, said downtown Kingston will be adequately patrolled.
“I have been in contact with the Chief of Staff and the Commissioner of Police and I have been assured that there will be adequate patrols in the downtown Kingston area concentrated in the business district,” he said.
The public is being urged to cooperate with the security forces as they continue to serve the public’s interest. Members of the public are also advised to have available, a photo identification (ID), preferably a national ID such as voter’s ID, driver’s licence, or passport.
Ministries, departments and agencies located in the area will also be open for business.
It is suggested that the following routes be taken to get downtown: Slipe Road to Orange Street and all roads east of that, and also Harbour Street to Marcus Garvey Drive.
The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) has also confirmed that service to the Downtown Kingston area will be resumed on a limited basis.
Members of the security forces have been directed to be courteous and respectful in all their interactions and have been told that no acts of indiscipline or misconduct will be tolerated.
The public may call the following numbers for clarification or complaints: 946-1248; 906-9568; 926-1317.
Meanwhile, all schools in Kingston are to remain closed tomorrow. Those schools in St. Andrew and Spanish Town, St. Catherine, and other areas being affected by violence, should also remain closed.
Principals of affected schools are being advised to make contact with their Regional Directors by calling the following numbers: Region One – 564-7152 and Region Six – 292-4509. This will remain in effect until the affected areas are brought back to a state of normalcy.