At least one business operator in Montego Bay, St. James, says he is willing to bear the inconvenience of closing early, as per the conditions under the state of public emergency.

This morning (Jan 19) the police advised that night time activities will be curtailed, and there will be changes to the operating hours of businesses, as part of ensuring that the threat to public safety is contained.

Community recreational areas must be closed by 6:00 p.m, cook shops, dry goods and haberdasheries by 7:00 p.m.; spirit license premises by 9:00 p.m.; service stations by 10:00 p.m.; clubs and fast food outlets by midnight.

Speaking with Irie FM News, a store operator says, he is willing to close early, with the hope that in the end, the community sees some benefit from the security forces operations.

And there are concerns about the impact of the state of emergency in St. James on the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector in Montego Bay.

President of Global Outsourcing Solutions, Davon Crump says many BPO’s operate on a 24 hour basis.

He pointed to the police advisory which will see changes to the operating hours of businesses.

Most places will now close between 7:00 p.m. and midnight.

Mr. Crump says, many of his clients overseas have called, expressing concern about the status of the jobs, and whether this development will affect their timelines.

Mr. Crump says, there is also concern for BPO staff, as many of the workers are from troubled communities.

The workers are affected by intense stop and search operations.