Manchester, Jamaica— The Alligator Pond Police Station Faced with Urgent Resource ShortagesIn the wake of ongoing resource constraints, the Alligator Pond Police Station in Manchester, Jamaica has been thrust into the spotlight. Senator Peter Bunting, the Opposition spokesman on National Security, has issued an urgent call to the Police High Command and the Ministry of National Security for the immediate allocation of a service vehicle to this remote policing area.
During a visit to Alligator Pond on Thursday, Bunting described the current situation as “unacceptable.” He pointed out that since Hurricane Beryl struck, the station has been without a functional service vehicle, which is indispensable for patrolling the extensive area it covers. Notably, the Alligator Pond station is situated farthest from the divisional headquarters in Mandeville. This lack of resources has led police personnel to rely on their own vehicles for emergency response, a practice that has persisted for over a month.
“From Hurricane Beryl, they have not had a working service vehicle to cover the wide police area that the Alligator Pond station services. In fact, this is the most remote station from the divisional headquarters in Mandeville. For the last month, police personnel have had to use their own vehicles to respond to any emergency,” he said. Adding to the concerns, Bunting highlighted the dilemma of officers having to use personal vehicles to deliver food to prisoners. This lack of support could potentially expose officers to liability if unable to address any emergencies or health issues among the detainees.
Bunting, who is also vying to represent Manchester Southern as a member of the People’s National Party, strongly emphasized that the area’s security is at significant risk. “We are here today to make an appeal to the High Command and the Ministry of National Security. This is an unacceptable situation at the Alligator Pond Police Station, it is unfair to the police personnel who have to man it, and it is unfair to the citizenry,” he remarked.
Moreover, he insisted that police fulfill a multifaceted role as first responders to various emergencies, not just criminal activities. With no functioning vehicle, the capacity of the police to serve the community in cases such as motor vehicle accidents is severely hampered.
Councillor Omar Robinson, representing the Alligator Pond Division under the People’s National Party, echoed Bunting’s sentiments. “I have lobbied on many occasions for at least two [vehicles] and to hear that there is none, it is quite alarming. Our safety has been compromised and even for the justice system for the prisoners to get to court that also has been compromised,” he said.
Additionally, Bunting highlighted the need for enhanced solid waste collection in the area. “In addition to the situation with the vehicles, Beryl blew down a fence and a portion of a wall. Garbage is piled up at the station. The whole community of Alligator Pond is not serviced regularly… dogs and rats are scattering it about,” he noted.
The call for action is clear— the Alligator Pond Police Station requires immediate support to rectify the resource deficiencies that currently threaten both public safety and the operational effectiveness of law enforcement in this remote community.
