Soldiers cross Deanery Road after a drive-by shooting in South East St. Andrew yesterday. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

WESTERN BUREAU:

While some of their counterparts faced stiff challenges from criminal elements, the police in western Jamaica only had minor skirmishes to handle.

"We haven't any complaints of criminal activities. We had a couple of minor incidents that did not affect the polling," said Assistant Commissioner of Police Clifford Blake, officer with responsibility for the Area One Police Division.

Area One comprises the parishes of Trelawny, St. James, Hanover and Westmoreland.

The officer disclosed that one woman was arrested in Falmouth, North Trelawny, after she allegedly assaulted a policeman at a polling station. There was also a report of a bottle-throwing mêlée, which police personnel quickly contained.

A People's National Party (PNP) supporter was also taken into custody in Flankers, North West St. James, after he got into a scuffle with a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporter, on whom he threw 'some juice'.

At press time, it was not known if he had been formally charged.

Ironically, the single armoured police vehicle in St. James developed mechanical problems while on mobile patrol of the Glendevon area and had to be towed to the St. James Divisional Headquarters.

E-voting safe

The Electoral Office of Jamaica also sought to safeguard its system against irregularities by instituting electronic voting, and specialist workers at Lilliput, Flankers, Glendevon, Salt Spring and Albion in St. James. These areas had strong military presence.

Superintendent Steve McGreggor, commanding officer for St. James, attributed their success to contingency plans, and efficiency as well as the dedication of personnel.

"It was the sort of consultations that we held, advisories issued and cooperation between the citizens and the police," he added. "I want to personally extend my appreciation to the people of St. James for a successful day."