Gone are the days when prostitutes only 'worked' at nights. A trend where sex workers ply their trade in broad daylight is quickly developing in St Catherine and St. Andrew.

On at least two streets in the parishes the prostitutes can be seen lining the sidewalks during the days.

At the Port Henderson Road in Portmore, more popularly called 'Back Road', it does not matter what time of day it is, the area is a 'hot bed' for the sex trade.

At 7 a.m., women who ply their wares during the night are normally relieved by a new set who take over for the day shift. This is a practice that the police say they are aware of.

When The WEEKEND STAR visited the location about 1 p.m. yesterday, skimpily clad young ladies were seen operating their trade.

Attempt at a sale

While the team walked by, one young lady took the opportunity to attempt to make a sale; "Wah happen boss yu naw buy nuh flesh today? Things really tough today, a only 15 bills ($1,500) fi sample di ting ya."

She pointed out secluded areas, including an unfinished building, where the act could take place.

The police say that they have been trying their best to curtail the daytime sale practice but as soon as they get to the strip the women run and hide, and often times if they are not caught in the act, it is difficult to even arrest them.

Deputy Superintendent Clive Blair, the operations officer for the St. Catherine South division, however says they will be continuing to work against these sex workers.

Meanwhile, president of the Portmore Joint Citizens' Association, Curn Harding expressed that while he has only heard reports of the happenings, such actions would definitely be againt the ideals of the body.

"I have only heard reports about it, and of course it would raise some concern...We figure that any illegal act will send the wrong signal and prostitution would be against what we stand for," Harding said.

In St Andrew, at the intersection of Seymour Avenue and Old Hope Road in St. Andrew, a number of also skimpily clad prostitutes, make the spot their place of daily operation.

They sit, stand, and even sleep while waiting, sometimes even exposing themselves in an attempt to attract men.

"A our spot dis, a long time wi deh yah so and try mek life," said Cherry, a 36-year-old mother of two.

For as little as $500, desirous men can indulge in a 20 minute sex session with her. Cherry is just one of about eight other prostitutes who operate there, who all work for one 'pimp', it was learnt.

Though the WEEKEND STAR did not get a chance to speak with the girls' boss, they said enough to explain their reasons for selling sex throughout the day.

"Afta a nuh night alone money can spend, none a wi nuh have a 9 to 5 work suh wi nuh have nuttin fi do...So wi jus sell a daytime to," Chocolate said.

As far as their 'business' activities go, these sex workers claim to get at least two customers on a bad day, and at least five on a 'fast' day.

"Yu done know seh a day suh most man nuh want nobody see dem a chat to wi suh business nuh as good as inna di night, but pon a fast day all five man one a wi get each," Cherry explained.

When asked why their price was so low compared to that of the prostitutes in Portmore, the sex workers explained that their spot is not as well known.

Like in Portmore the police say they are aware of the practice but they say that despite their efforts to rid the corner of the prostitutes they keep returning.

Detective Constable Phillip Lawrence of the Area Four police said that because there are also a few drug dens in a neighbouring community, it provides a 'comfort zone'.

"As soon as we get them off they come back...There are some drug spots nearby and this is where they find their comfort zone. So as soon as we take them away, once they visit those spots, they'll be back," the detective said before adding that the police will continue in their efforts to clean the streets.