The Police are refuting claims carried in todays edition of The Gleaner that a new permit system has been introduced in Tivoli Gardens as of yesterday.

A story today entitled 'New 'Visa' System Greets Tivoli Gdns' described a new permit system in the West Kingston community of Tivoli Gardens, which left residents peeved.

A release to the media from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) said between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, persons wanting to enter or exit the community of Tivoli Gardens can do so freely. These persons will however be searched whether they are coming in or going out at the designated checks points.

However, a photo taken by the Gleaner of a permit issued to a resident contradicts the police statement.

The permit in the photo is titled Permit Movement Within/In/Out of Area of Operation. The permit goes on to say Take notice that, the Deputy Commissioner of Police being a Competent Authority acting under the Emergency Powers Act, 1938 and Regulations, 2010 which entered into force by declaration of the Governor General on Sunday May, 23 2010 and Wednesday May 26, 2010 respectively.

The permit goes on to give the date, the name of the person receiving the permit, their date of birth, occupation and address. It then gives a description of the conditions of the permit. The document then appears to have the signatures of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of crime and the ground commander.

The police release, however, said, during the curfew hours of 6:00 pm to 8:00 am, persons entering or leaving Tivoli Gardens are required to obtain an access pass which is issued by the Police Commander who is located at the Police Post in the community. Persons qualifying for this entry/exit pass are for example, members of the essential services (nurses, doctors, JPS, JFB, Correctional Services etc), students who have evening classes, and others who may have various emergencies.

The Gleaner reported today that the new permit system was introduced yesterday, without prior notice, to monitor movement in and out of the community of Tivoli Gardens. The introduction of the new system left long queues of grumbling residents who waited impatiently with their identification and tax registration number (TRN)- the requirements for the permit.

-- Edited by HABLA RUPTION on Tuesday 8th of June 2010 04:45:42 PM