The Ministry of Local Government handed over a check for $1.3 million to the Manchester Chamber of Commerce (MCOC) on Monday September 7, as part of its contribution towards the MCOC’s initiative against crime.
In 2007, the Chamber led by its president and banker, Winston Lawson, embarked on what it labeled the “Closed to Crime Initiative”, which is geared towards securing equipment and other resources to assist the police to combat crime in the parish.
Since its inception, many private sector companies have contributed nearly $12 million to the effort. Part of the contribution was used to purchase a fully equipped and refurbished trailer, which now houses the intelligence gathering unit of the Mandeville police, along with a motor car.
However, the lion’s share of the money was used to install several surveillance cameras in the town of Mandeville and a monitoring post at the Mandeville police station. However, the cost of the surveillance system exceeded what the MCOC had left in its coiffeurs to the tune of nearly $5 million.
According to President Winston Lawson, who received the check on behalf of the MCOC from Mayor of Mandeville, Brenda Ramsay, says the contribution will go a significant distance in paying for the cameras.
He disclosed that the MCOC will still need an additional US$24,000 to complete payment to the suppliers. The hand-over ceremony took place at the Manchester Parish Council which fulfilled a promise made by Minister responsible for Local Government, Robert Montaque .
Mayor Ramsay, who represented Minister Montaque, said so far the cameras have been instrumental in the capture of several criminals and other violators. Councillor for the Mandeville division, Mrs. Sally Porteous, who was also on hand lauded the MCOC for the initiative.
