Curfew hours adjusted for Old Harbour Bay following protest

The revised order, announced by Acting Superintendent Romario Rankin, commander of the Old Harbour police subdivision, takes effect May 14. Under the new measures, the general community will now observe a 9:00 pm curfew, while the Terminal area will maintain its existing 6:00 pm restriction. The adjusted curfew will remain in place until the end of May, after which the police will conduct a review. 

This change comes after residents, primarily business operators, staged a protest outside the Old Harbour Bay Police Station this morning, demanding an easing of the 6:00 pm lockdown, which they argued severely impacted their livelihoods. Following hours of demonstrations, a meeting was held between law enforcement and community representatives, resulting in a compromise. 

Tensions had escalated last evening when several business owners defied the curfew, leading to a standoff with police. The incident underscored growing frustrations over tightened security measures aimed at curbing violent crimes in the area, which the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has identified as a key transshipment point in the illegal guns-for-drugs trade with Haiti. 

Today’s discussions marked the second such meeting in two months, signaling a willingness from both sides to engage in dialogue. However, ASP Rankin cautioned that any resurgence in violent crime could prompt an immediate reinstatement of stricter measures but noted that plans were afoot to ease the restriction which incidentally coincided with the residents’ protestation.

“Two weeks ago with the last murder we had in Old Harbour Bay, We reverted the curfew hours to 6:00 pm, as was agreed-upon by the police and citizens of Old Harbour Bay.                                                                   

“Notwithstanding, they were promised that the curfew would be reviewed after two weeks with an extension in sight and that was being done today when I received a call that there was an ongoing protest in the Old Harbour Bay community,” he told Old Harbour News. 

“Communication was then had with the president of the community group who was made aware of the meeting that was being scheduled for tomorrow, and that they would be informed of same on completion of the review. They then complied and dispersed.

“Upon completion of the review, the police decided to meet with them this evening and listen to their queries and concerns and address them, and to also inform them of the related hours that would still take effect tomorrow evening.

“The citizens were appreciative of same and pledged their continued support to the police as we anticipate the same in ensuring that we maintain the Old Harbour Bay that we want it to be.”

Authorities continue to urge compliance with the curfew as part of broader efforts to restore safety and order in the community.