The State of Public Emergency that was imposed on the western parish of St. James last Thursday, January 18, 2018; is at high concerns to the recording artiste Chilando.

“I understand that crime and violence is rapidly increasing in Montego Bay from 2017 coming into 2018 and that it has to be placed under control. However, Montego Bay which is the Tourism capital of Jamaica is now being publicized internationally as a place you would not like to visit for vacations,” Said Chilando.

Chilando stated that the main source of income for Montego Bay is Tourism and in results of the Public Emergency; most tourists are now cancelling their flights to Jamaica.

Nevertheless, he also believes that it is a good course of action for the parish of St. James because there has been too much crime and violence reoccurring, so having the Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) present in the streets of Montego Bay will hopefully aid in lowering the high rate of crime and violence.

“There are pros and cons to this Public Emergency. Businesses are losing profits because they now have to close before usual business hours and the hustlers in the streets where the street is their only chance of having a steady income; is now having it even harder to provide for their families,” he said.

“Entertainers are also at a disadvantage since a lot of events are being canceled and the promoters for such events are finding it hard to finance these events and pay the entertainers, owing to the fact that even though the events are being postponed or cancelled, it is still costly for the promoters,” The artist said.

“Entertaining events are not to be cancelled,” he said; for the reason that, it then appears as if the Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) does not have full control over the operation.

Chilando does accept that Montego Bay is in need of stability and he respects what Prime Minister Hon. Andrew Holness and the Jamaica Defense Force is aiming to achieve.

He also added that he is optimistic for his home Parish, St. James and that this bad reputation will be off Montego Bay rather sooner than later.