Motorists and Pedestrians in Mobay Praise PSTEB Members

Motorists and pedestrians in Montego Bay, St. James, say the presence of members of the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB) has brought greater security and public order to the streets of the Second City.

In a vox pop conducted by JIS News on October 3, members of the public welcomed the PSTEB police officers, noting that they have made a significant difference in the flow of traffic, especially at peak hours.

However, some citizens argue that the policemen and policewomen, decked in their neon yellow vests, need to place greater focus along some roadways, including Megabyte Drive in the vicinity of Vista Print; Sam Sharpe Square and along Orange Street.

Following are the responses of persons who spoke with JIS News:

(1) “This is what Montego Bay needed a long time.  I see them cover almost everywhere already. I saw them on St. James Street; I saw them on Howard Cooke Boulevard; I saw them out at Gloucester Avenue and Barnett Street. I think they are doing a wonderful job.”

JUTA Tour Operator, Sydney Bennett

(2) “The initiative has been a really brilliant one. It has made a difference in terms of additional security, in terms of visibility and in terms of traffic control, which I believe we were desperately in need of. The whole initiative has been really impactful.”

Motorist, Hillary Clarke

(3) “I have seen them one time along Union Street. When I am coming from Paradise on Albion Road to come around Cornwall College and straight down to Orange Street, we would like to see more police around that side, even two of the new ones. I am telling you, if we see the uniformed personnel around there, then people will abide by the rules. As long as there is no police around there, there will be chaos.”

Clive Blackwood, Taxi operator who plies the Paradise, Norwood to Montego Bay route

(4)  “The traffic in the peak hours is a little bit difficult, so when you have the police around it’s a little easier. Right at Vista Print, I was thinking about a stoplight there, but this morning (Wednesday, October 3), I saw one of the officers there and it was little easier,” he said.

Taxi Operator, Derrick James, who plies the Irwin Meadows to Montego Bay route

(5) “Mi feel good ‘bout dem. Since dem deh ‘round, the traffic get fi more clear, and because more time you used to stop in the traffic fi long time, when dem come ‘round, the traffic always clear up.”

Pedestrian and vendor who gives his name as Roger

(6) “It’s pretty good… because you can see the police officers from far. They are working well. I love it,” he said.

Jermaine, Pedestrian