WEEKEND READ: The demise of Chancery Street (Price Rite)

Chancery Street, a little strip of road between Red Hills Road and Knightsdale Drive in St Andrew, once held its pride of place.

But for the last decade or so, that area has become a haven for extortionists, illicit vendors, criminals and a hangout for just about anyone who has nothing productive to do.

The little region is known as ‘Price Rite’, named after a supermarket that has been in the area for decades. But there are other businesses like the Meadowbrook Pharmacy, hair styling salons and wholesales.

“The place mash up. This was such a bustling area. Lots of people still come here but the place is not what it used to be,” one resident, who stood waiting for a Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) public passenger bus, told Loop News last week.

Minibuses which ply the Chancery Street to Rock Hall route along with route taxis, choke up the area, creating a nightmare for motorists and pedestrians alike.

When Loop News was in the area, a student of the Meadowbrook High School had to take evasive action as the driver of a Toyota Probox sped carelessly on the stretch of road, not measuring more than 50 metres, to pick up a passenger. The little girl was clearly dishevelled but gathered her wits and went on as if it was an everyday occurrence.

What’s more, vendors place their stalls with wild abandon on the sidewalk with no regard for the property owners on whose rights they infringe.

One property owner was at his wits end.  A vendor had placed a car, on the left side of Knightsdale Drive facing Chancery Street, laden with supplies, including coconuts fruits, cigarettes and other goods at least two metres from the front gate to his home.

“This is unbelievable. They have no regard for the people who live here. I want to leave here and sell my property, but what will I get? This activity devalues our property. This side of the road is residential. You should not have this here,” the upset resident said.

Residents of the community, which is in Meadowbrook, say they have made repeated calls to the authorities for the situation to be addressed but nothing has been done over the years.

“If a man is driving along the road and reaches to this point, he has to slow or swerve. It is a potential danger. How can the police feel comfortable charging a motorist for insurance breach or because something is wrong with the sticker on his vehicle, but they can’t deal with this problem? It is hell on earth and if you confront them your life is at risk,” the resident said.

In addition, there are bigger problems. Extortionists have taken up residence and they prey on the bus and taxi operators.

One source told Loop News that the extortionists even squeeze money out of the JUTC bus drivers.

“Is the first me ever see it. The fee is $500 for ‘Chi Chi bus’, $500 for miibus and $100 for taximan everyday. If them don’t pay is hell. People have been killed for not paying extortion out here,” the source said.

The St Andrew North Police are aware of the situation. Cops are posted at Chancery Street daily but their presence seems to have little effect.

One cop, who wanted to be unnamed, said the extortionists seem to have the upper hand and rule with an iron fist.

“We know that extortion is going on but the bus and taxi men are afraid as if they come forward they will feel the wrath of the criminals so our work is made harder as they will not cooperate. We try, but without witnesses, we have no evidence,” the cop said.

Jamaica Labour Party Councillor for the Havendale division, Vernon McLeod, agrees that things have gone out of control in the area.

"It has been a sore point and it has been a cause of concern for the KSAC (Kingston and St Andrew Corporation), and the Meadowbrook/Havendale Citizens' Association," McLeod said, adding that "It is congested everyday, even on a Sunday. The space there is just not enough." 

McLeod also pointed to the presence of illegal vendors and reports of extortionists. 

"The KSAC has had many operations to remove illegal vendors but they return everytime. It is reported that extortionists full the area. It is straight lawlessness!" McLeod said.

He said the police are there on a regular basis but their presence doesn't seem to hinder the activities. He argued that there has to be a changing of the mindset of the people if the area is to return to its pride of place.

See photos in slider.