Three stakeholder associations operating in the port community have partnered with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and SAL Security Services to increase security presence within Newport West (NPW).

The three associations, the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ), the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association of Jamaica (CBFFAJ) and the Port Trailer Haulage Association (PTHA), have formed a security committee to address the security needs of the Newport West corporate community.

As part of this new strategic initiative, SAL Security Services will provide a mobile armed patrol in the NPW business community Mondays to Fridays between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. This is in an effort to improve the security of businesses, employees and customers who conduct business in the port community.

The aim is to complement the security that is already being provided by the NPW police, given the limited resources of the force at this time.

Additionally, the increased security in the NPW area will lay the foundation for the creation of NPW as an industrial park.

Partnership

President of the SAJ, Roger Hinds, in endorsing the initiative said, "As we continue to grow and develop the services offered at the Port of Kingston, we have to be able to give the assurance that business will be conducted in a safe and secure environment." He added that, through the partnership with the JCF and the corporate community, a crime-free environment is not a dream, but a reality that can be embraced.

Deputy superintendent of police in charge of NPW, George McFarlane, welcomed the initiative, noting that any measure implemented to ensure that crime and violence are kept at a low level, will go a long way in assisting the JCF.

"This does not change the core function of the JCF, but the fact is, sometimes we are short on resources and we will accept this assistance," McFarlane said. "We look forward to working with SAL Security Services in securing the corporate community of NPW."

Andrew Henry, president of the PTHA said the added security in the community will be beneficial to all who conduct business in NPW and the participation of all will add to its success.

Faster response time

"It's a win-win situation, bearing in mind that SAL Security Services' location within NPW will provide a faster response time and we can be better protected," Henry said. "Their wharf experience is a plus."

Christopher Kennedy, president of the CBFFAJ, hailed the partnership approach to crime in the NPW community as a responsible move by business operators.

"We fully support this partnership approach to this problem that affects all of us. As business operators, we have to take the necessary steps to secure our businesses, our employees and our customers," Kennedy said.

SAL Security Services began its armed mobile patrol of the NPW community on April 6.