Shadow Minister of National Security, Fitz Jackson says, in spite of the government agreeing to, and announcing the extended opening hours in the state of emergency, in St. Catherine and Clarendon, the security forces have not been officially instructed to implement the changes.

Mr. Jackson told Irie FM News that, the Oposition fought to get the hours for Portmore businesses to be extended, even after the initial resistance of the government, who said the security forces would not be able to extend themselves.

He says, during Tuesday’s sitting of parliament, the opposition insisted that, the nine o’ clock time for businesses to draw their shutters, was not realistic for the community of Portmore.

He adds that, the government cannot operate under a ‘one-size fits all’ approach, and urges it, to heed the cries of the people.

He notes, that the members of Portmore were even more enraged, when last night, the security forces did not honour the extended time agreed to, and announced by the government.

He is urging, Minister of National Security, Dr. Horace Chang, to inform the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) about the new closing times for businesses in Portmore, and to ensure the changes are implemented.

And in a statement this afternoon, the communications arm of the Jamaica Constabulary Force indicated that that the new closing time for businesses and churches in Clarendon and St. Catherine is 11:00 pm.

Both parishes are under a state of public emergency.