A bomb threat has suspended operations at the Kingston Wharves port terminal in Jamaica on Monday morning.
According to reports, operations concerning the clearing of customs at the terminal in downtown Kingston were reportedly affected by the threat.
People from several buildings were evacuated as the authorities secured the compound and made checks to the area.
Kingston Wharves issued a statement confirming that operations have been suspended for November 13.
“Out of an abundance of caution and concern for the safety of its team members and customers, KWL has closed all its warehouse and terminal facilities for the day,” they said. “The public will be advised regarding the full resumption of operations.”
Over 70 institutions affected by bomb threats
This is the latest in a series of bomb threats that have affected operations at several institutions on the island within the last few days.
On Friday, Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey confirmed that 71 institutions were impacted by bomb threats between Thursday, November 9 and Friday, November 10, including a hospital and a court building.
All other targets were educational institutions, including Denbigh and Lennon High in Clarendon; Wolmers Girls School and St. Georges College in Kingston; Old Harbour and Greater Portmore High in St Catherine; and William Knibb Memorial in Trelawny.
The police confirmed that a suspect is now in custody in relation to the threats.
Bailey further stated that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) continues to lead the multi-agency investigation and maintain dialogue with its international counterparts.
He gave the reassurance that the JCF, with support from its law enforcement partners, will investigate all reports received as every threat is treated as serious until proven otherwise.
Bailey also encouraged citizens to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves but maintained that “there was no need for panic, as all the evidence gathered so far indicates that the threats are a hoax.”
Justice Minister lashes out against pranksters
Justice Minister Delroy Chuck meanwhile had some strong words for “pranksters” making bomb threats and causing mischief and panic within the society.
Chuck spoke out against the threats, which affected classes at several schools across the island.
“Quite a few schools in Clarendon, St Catherine, Kingston, also in Trelawny now have to be closed. You see the mischief and because the principal or the police can’t take chances … the school is locked down for a day. And that is a sort of mischief that you have these rogues across Jamaica engaged in to the detriment of the well-being of others,” Chuck said Thursday.
