Morgan requests police investigation of alleged intimidation of workers on highway project

Minister with responsibility for works, Robert Nesta Morgan, says he has written to Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake requesting an urgent investigation into alleged threats made against workers and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) staff involved in the execution of the South Coast Highway Improvement Project in St Thomas.

In a media release on Thursday, Morgan said he has confirmed reports that individuals sought to unlawfully impose themselves on the project by claiming authority to “take over” construction activities, appoint liaison officers, and even dictate changes to the security arrangements on site.

He said there were also "troubling" reports of individuals storming the Hordley compound demanding employment outside of the official project structure.

Morgan declared that such conduct is unacceptable and would not be tolerated under any circumstance.

“No one can be allowed to hijack national projects, intimidate contractors, or substitute political muscle for lawful governance," he stated, adding that “Threatening workers and international contractors who are here to help build Jamaica is a line that cannot be crossed."

Morgan said all effort will be made to keep the works on track in St Thomas and across the island, with strict adherence to order, fairness and the rule of law.

“Our infrastructure programme is about building roads, bridges, and opportunities for all Jamaicans. These projects are governed by the laws of Jamaica, financed by taxpayers, and executed through formal contractual arrangements. No private individual, no political operative, has the authority to interfere. The Government of Jamaica alone has that mandate on behalf of the people of Jamaica,” he declared.

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