On Monday, Commissioner of Police Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin announced the replacement of M16 assault rifles with the smaller calibre MP5 submachine guns for the majority of the members of the police force. The move, the commissioner said, was to reduce the possibility of collateral damage. The Gleaner spoke to some sector leaders to get their reaction to the decision.

Pauline Reid

President, Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry:

I feel confident the police high command will make the right choice in doing what is best in fighting crime in this country. We have to ensure that we find measures which will be effective in fighting crime.

Edward Chin Mook

President, Small Business Association of Jamaica:

The move is a more humanitarian situation which will bring the force in line with international norms and the key point is that they can stand up to the firepower of the 'badmen'. I have been abroad and I have seen the weapon and it is much sleeker and easier to handle and it will allow the police to be more effective. We, however, should not be looking at firepower but we should be looking at intelligence, and I am not seeing the intelligence arm of the police force being strengthened.

Wayne Cummings

President, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association:

I honestly believe the police as a group are armed for war too often, and this factors into injuries for the citizenry. This (MP5) is something that will arm them and immobilise assailants. With it the job can be done. Policing is multifaceted and it is an interpersonal relationship between citizens and the police.

Jacqueline Coke-Lloyd

Executive director, Jamaica Employers' Federation:

I trust that the commissioner is guided by best practices and that it is the best for the country and the police force. I hope that they are putting in necessary safeguards and the type of protections that will certainly match and overpower any criminal who serves as a threat to the police force.