HENRY
The murder of Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) chairman, Douglas Chambers, last Friday, will not halt the planned redundancy and reclassification exercises being carried out at the state-owned bus company, according to the JUTC board.
Meanwhile, the police have so far made no arrests in connection with Chambers' killing, but say they continue to follow strong leads.
Board member Dennis Chung yesterday told The Gleaner that the board would work to finalise the redundancy plans for the termination of the final batch of workers from the overstaffed bus company.
The redundancy exercise is still expected to take effect today.
Before the chairman's gun slaying on Friday afternoon, an agreement between the JUTC management and union representatives regarding the redundancy of over 400 workers had already been reached.
"Douglas was actually on a break to go and prepare documents to be signed off with the unions, so we are going to finalise that process," Chung said.
The board is expected to meet with Transport and Works Minister Mike Henry today to further discuss the way forward.
The JUTC board is also expected to make a presentation on the financial status of the company before Cabinet today. A presentation which was originally to be done by Chambers.
The transport minister yesterday told The Gleaner that the responsibility of appointing a new chairman would be his prerogative. However, in the meantime, he will head the trouble-plagued bus company until such an appointment is made.
"(Chambers) and I were discussing, creating and implementing policy and changes and those policies will continue unabated," he said.
Henry said a series of interviews will take place in order to find a suitable replacement.
The former chartered accountant and JUTC executive chairman was gunned down last Friday at the entrance to the bus company's head office in Twickenham Park, Spanish Town after he took a break from a meeting with unions and JUTC management.
Reports are that he was purchasing cigarettes when he was pounced on by two or more armed men. Chambers sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died on the spot.
Yesterday police said they were continuing to pursue strong leads as they move to apprehend the persons responsible for the chairman's brutal murder.
Karl Angell, communication director for the Jamaica Constabulary Force, said the police are following all leads and are now in the process of taking statements to ensure that all angles are covered.
He said individuals in the community have been cooperating with the police.
"We are extremely encouraged by the support that we have had so far and people have come forward," he added.
Persons with information are being asked to tell the police what they know by calling Operation Kingfish at 811; Crime Stop at 311; or police control at 119.