President of the People’s National Party, Dr. Peter Phillips says the escalation of crime and violence in Montego Bay and the surrounding communities in St. James, is untenable.

Dr. Phillips and members of his shadow cabinet met with business leaders in Montego Bay yesterday (Oct 28), to discuss concerns about the crime wave sweeping western Jamaica.

He says based on the discussion, it was noted that the crime and violence in Montego Bay are negatively impacting the local economy.

He says the Opposition PNP supports the call by the Montego Bay business community for a national plan of action, to address crime and violence in the country.

Dr. Phillips says he is prepared to participate in dialogue that will restore the type of environment which is good for commerce.

Meantime, the Montego Bay business community is calling on Prime Minister Andrew Holness and National Security Minister Robert Montague to share contents of the country’s crime plan, so that the community can play a part in the plans implementation.

President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, T’Shura Gibbs made that call yesterday during a meeting with Opposition Leader, Dr. Peter Phillips and key members of his shadow cabinet.

Ms. Gibbs says business leaders and citizens alike are operating under a cloud of fear, even as she indicates the commitment of the Chamber and its member’s to work with government and all key stakeholders, in managing the wave of crime in St. James.

Ms Gibbs states that crime has gotten out of control in St. James, with over 250 people killed in the parish since the start of the year.

She wants to see a national crime plan, as well as a policy that targets St. James.

Ms. Gibbs says while St. James is experiencing economic growth, its being severely impacted by the escalating murder rate.