‘Babylon’ no more

WESTERN BUREAU:

While Hurricane Melissa has not left behind many positive memories, it may have laid the foundation for a stronger relationship between the police in Montego Hills, St James, and residents of the surrounding communities.

With the Category 5 hurricane decimating the communications infrastructure on October 28, the Starlink system at the station has become the sole means of communication for residents anxious to make connection with friends and relatives.

The leadership at the police station has not only allowed the use of their Starlink services, but has also allowed the residents on to the compound to improve the quality of the service.

“You know Rasta and Babylon – not Babylon anymore, our friendly police officers – have not always gotten along well, so to see even me as Rastaman at the police making calls is a big deal and is showing that there is much humanity in them because without them and their Starlink, we would be cut off from the world,” a young Rastafarian, who was among the scores of residents gathered to use the service, told The Gleaner.

“If we are here and it starts to rain, the police even allow us into the building to shelter. Just imagine a Rastaman seeking shelter in a police station!” he said, sporting a big smile. “We must big up the police in Montego Hills because they have proven to be good neighbours in this our time of need.”

COVERING SECTIONS OF THE ROOF

During one of The Gleaner’s visits, a police officer and a civilian were precariously perched atop the very high roof of the police station, working together to cover a section of the apparently damaged roof with tarpaulin.

In the yard, there were smiles all around as well as exchanges of pleasantries as the police tried to keep the residents comfortable, even offering shelter from the sun and the rain, especially for those with children.

The residents, some of whom carried pieces of sponge and cardboard to sit or lie in comfort, were largely respectful in both tone and behaviour as they used phones, tablets and laptops. Should the sound from any call get too loud, someone would quickly remind the caller to tone down.

“Muma, tek it easy! Remember we inna de police station and di officer dem a do dem work, so we caa mek dem kinda big laugh dem,” a young man scolded a young lady, who had got quite loud. “Di officer dem neva haffi let we in, so ease down pon di disturbance.”

Corporal Michael James, who has won numerous awards in St James for exemplary interpersonal skills as a cop, regularly make checks on the residents.

“Take the children out of the sun. There is more shade on the other side of the building,” he said to one family on one of his cursory inspections.

While most callers seemed unbothered about being overheard begging friends and relatives to send remittances or send a barrel to Kingston because the Montego Bay wharf had not yet reopened, others were quite secretive, moving off to secluded spots near the fence of the property to keep their conversations private.

“What a way da call deh sweet yuh!” a woman shouted to her friend, who was seen giggling as she spoke on her telephone. “Now a nuh de time fi di lovey-dovey, mi child, so mek sure a nuh just kin yu a kin yuh teeth. Yu better a beg some money because all a wi bruk. Melissa mash wi up.”

adrian.frater@gleanerjm.com