Mayor of Montego Bay Calls on Public to Show Greater Respect for Municipal Officers

Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, is urging the public to show greater respect for the efforts of municipal officers.

He made the appeal during the St. James Municipal Corporation Police Unit’s 20th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service, held at the Open Bible Church in Mount Salem, on Sunday, September 15.

The Unit is celebrating 20 years of service with a week of activities from September 15 to September 21.

It was established in 2004, when 15 persons were trained at the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Barracks in Montego Bay and subsequently deployed in August of that year.

Since then, six additional cohorts have been trained at the Twickenham Park Police Academy.

The unit currently boasts 19 officers who serve the parish.

Mayor Vernon said that the role of the Municipal Police is often misunderstood.

“You may often see our officers interacting with vendors on the road, but their role is not to chase vendors or seize their goods, as is commonly perceived,” he explained.

“Their responsibility is to ensure that vending is conducted in designated areas, ensuring the safety of pedestrians and the smooth flow of traffic for motorists,” he added.

The Mayor pointed out that the Municipal officers also monitor permits as they relate to vending management, places of amusement, barbers and hairdressers, among several other commercial activities across the municipality.

“Our enforcement team will only intervene if these permits are not obtained or if persons fail to comply with the laws governing the activities. The local authority is responsible for ensuring compliance and protecting you as residents,” he noted.

“Their job is not easy and they are faced daily with verbal and physical abuse. As Mayor, I am always mindful that human resources are a critical component in operations, and as such, they must be recognised for their daily contribution to the organisation’s growth and development,” the Mayor said.

He also attributed the success of the Municipal Police Unit to the strong partnerships with local agencies, such as the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Fire Department, the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Public Health Officials, and the National Solid Waste Management Authority.

“These partnerships are a testament to our shared commitment to maintaining order and safety in the parish,” the Mayor said.