Security companies weather the storm

Garfene Grandison, Gleaner Writer

A number of reports have reached The Gleaner newsroom about the gallant efforts of many of Jamaica's private security companies, which have been aiding the safe traverse of a number of their private clients to and from their offices and places of residence.

Rockey Allen, general manager of Quest Security, told The Gleaner that no really serious rescue efforts were needed but his company was able to play its part in providing transportation for trapped clients.

"We had to aid some of our clients who were trapped in these volatile areas. Many needed their staff to be escorted home. I think that the security industry and the Jamaica Society for Industrial Security have played their part in supporting the best interest of our clients. The police also gave some much-needed support during those times," he stated.

A representative from the Guardsman Group, Robert Bravo, also said his company did as much as possible to ensure their clients were as safe as could be. He said they did not engage in any rescue efforts but also ensured that clients were in the safest possible environment.

"We had to escort a few of our clients home, like personnel from American Airlines, as well as other clients who wanted their staff to be transported home. Those who lived in extremely volatile areas, we had to reassure them that it would be safest to remain where they were," Bravo explained.

Sharing the same sentiments of Bravo and Allen is Hawkeye Security Ltd's managing director, Ricky Mahfood.

"We had to escort quite a number of persons over the weekend even up until today," he said.

To corroborate Mahfood's claim, a convoy of about 10-12 cars, flanked by two marked Hawkeye security vehicles, was seen driving past The Gleaner's head office on North Street heading in the direction of Heroes Circle.

Cordons pose challenge

Mahfood further added: "This is something I think every security firm will be doing, especially because of the unexpected flare-up in certain parts of the Corporate Area. It has been challenging, especially since the security forces have cordoned off certain areas, but our security detail removes these barriers to obtain a more fluid transition and the safety of our clients."

One security company that has been very visible during this tumultuous time is KingAlarm Systems.

A number of reports and warnings were being circulated through BlackBerry broadcast messages and other social networking sites with updates as to what was taking place on the roads. Persons were being informed of what routes they were to take, as well as which ones they were to avoid.

The efforts were successful in informing the public of what was happening on the streets of Kingston and St Andrew.

Apart from that, KingAlarm Systems has also been transporting clients across the Corporate Area but efforts to contact authorised personnel at the company proved futile.

Up to yesterday there were still gunfights across the Corporate Area between the police and gunmen.

garfene.grandison@gleanerjm.com