The Eastern Division Police Department's Precinct One may be one of its busiest stations. The headquarters on Euphrates Avenue is a property rented from the family of politician Boots Martinez - and it has long been criticised as a questionable arrangement for the enrichment of the former minister.
So, of course, once elected, the PUP would change it. But, are they changing to a space with limited parking just to spite the former minister? Cherisse Halsall looked at the switch:
This is Precinct one located on Euphrates avenue, and this is its proposed new location, a building formerly dubbed Sen Sen located at the tight corner of West and King streets. The building was being worked on today and looks a ways from being ready.
But that work will have to be fast-tracked because the move is set to be made ahead of the rainy season. That's because the current Precinct is below the street level and floods in heavy rain, leaving officers to carry out their duties in water up to their ankles.
But we only found that out this afternoon, and this morning when we spoke to area Rep for Mesopotamia Shyne Barrow there were questions as to why the move was being made.
Shyne Barrow, Area Rep, Mesopotamia
"Well certainly in times of austerity all such moves need to be questioned and I urge you to ask the Minister of Home affairs the Hon. Kareem Musa what the reasoning behind the move is. I certainly would hope that it is a cost saving measure and that the move from Euphrates would lead to a reduction in rent but again if the agenda is to cut costs then this building that the former Minister of housing, the Honorable Micheal Finnegan built-in 1994, acquired the land for a public purpose and gave it to the police department, certainly should be looked at it you certainly should ask I spoke to Dr. Rosado briefly."
"He is saying that this building needs to be renovated but again I urge you to investigate and to find out what the cost of renovation would be vs. the cost of the rental there on West Street and King Street and what the savings would be to move from the Euphrates over to King and west."
Reports now are that the substation will be used. It will act as a twin substation along with the building that's currently called SEN SEN. Police say the move will put them closer to the downtown commercial zone for more effective policing.
Reports are that Precinct one's move should be underway as early as next month.
