It is not quite business as usual for stakeholders in the western parish of Westmoreland that is been dogged with murders and incidents of violence in recent years. 

The business community in Negril was hopeful the latest crime-fighting special tool would have at least offered some security in the bustling Christmas period when crimes also increase in some spaces. However, with the Opposition refusing to support the States of Emergency (SOE) extension things are not all jolly for many there who rely heavily on tourism. 

President of the Negril Chamber of Commerce Richard Wallace explains although crime is not directly aimed at the tourism product, its pervasive nature in the space could have negative implications over time. With the SOEs no more, he says there is a feeling of hope but the uncertainty of whether the crime will spike again lingers.

The Negril Chamber of Commerce was among fifteen signatories to the letter imploring the Opposition to support the SOE extension last month.

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