Thugs target Coronation Market despite police presence

Criminals operating in and around the Coronation Market in downtown Kingston are still running extortion rackets, investigations by THE STAR have revealed.

This week, THE STAR made a number of trips through the busy commercial district and witnessed persons being extorted of money in and around the market despite the presence of the security forces who are posted in the nearby Tivoli Gardens.

Those seen falling victims to the extortionists include vendors and motorists who use parking spaces on the outskirts of the market.

Though not as bold as they once were, the extortionists have devised covert means of carrying out the criminal activity which according to one such individualDog Face, is the only way he can survive.

"Police seh a crime and mi know but right yah now mi cyaa get a job nowhere ... Mi naw go a road go kill nobody so a di only way mi can juggle and survive fi help feed my daughter," he told THE STAR.

Tivoli invasion

Dog Face was just one of five men who were seen going through a section of the market and taking food from vendors without consent. Dog Face explained that he makes money by either taking money from people in his community and selling them the food he collects or he collects the money from these persons and simply keeps it for himself since he can take the items from the vendors.

According to the vendors, before the Tivoli invasion, the men would have simply picked up whatever they wanted but now in a bid to remain below the radar they send their bags and request that it is filled. They collect the bags later.

In the case of the men who were seen soliciting money from motorists who use parking spaces attached to the market, they were less bold with their illegal activities.

Normally they would have demanded that persons pay upon returning to their vehicles, standing close by to ensure this.

Now they sit or stand some distance away and make sure the coast is clear before approaching the motorists and asking for the fee.

One motorist who was seen giving a man $100, said he did so only to avoid confrontation. "From eva since mi a come a market mi always a pay fi park eno plus mi cyaa badda wid no argument so mi jus give dem," the motorist simply said.

When approached a group of men seen collecting money refused to speak to THE STAR.

When contacted, the western Kingston police said it was expected that criminals would find ways of continuing extortion rackets, however, they said they were continuing their efforts to stop the process.

"This is something that has been happening for years so we know it wouldn't stop at the snap of our fingers. We will nonetheless remain vigilant in our efforts against extortion in the area," an officer said.

In a recent interview with THE STAR Head of the Criminal Investigation Branch, Assistant Commissioner Les Green urged persons who continue to fall victims of extortionists to make formal reports to the police, citing it the first step to fighting the act.