President of the St. Catherine Chamber of Commerce, Dennis Robothom is hopeful that the declaration of a State of Emergency (SOE) in the parish will see business operations returning to normality.

A State of Public Emergency was declared in St. Catherine on Friday (June 17), following an upsurge in gang violence, particularly in Spanish Town, which forced some businesses to close their doors.

Speaking with IRIE FM news, Mr. Robothom said while the SOE has resulted in increased police presence, many people are still traumatized by the crime and violence.

He is hopeful that the measure will help to remedy the crime issue in the parish.