Situation in Jamaica Improving (Update 27 May)

THERE are signs that the volatile situation in Kingston, Jamaica, is calming down, although the police search for the alleged drugs kingpin Christopher 'Dudus' Coke continues. According to Lieut-Colonel Lindsay Rowe (Chief Secretary of The Salvation Army's Caribbean Territory) there is still 'sporadic gunfire' in the Tivoli Gardens area but the rest of the city has, for now, returned to relative normality.

Lieut-Colonel Rowe reports that cadets at the Salvation Army training college – located near the most troubled area – have 'enjoyed a good night's rest with no gunshots in the immediate area'. An earlier plan to evacuate the college is not now deemed necessary.

The Salvation Army has been asked by the government to provide meals for some 500 detainees for three days while they are being interrogated. The meals will be prepared at the disaster services facilities at territorial headquarters (THQ) for delivery by the Jamaica Defence Force.

The colonel adds: 'Let us pray that this is not merely a lull in the violence and that peace has returned ... Already there are signs of strain on the infrastructure as supermarkets are running out of bakery and other products, and gas stations are running out of fuel, because of production and delivery problems related to the violence.'

A limited state of emergency remains in effect so THQ will close early to allow staff to get home before 6 pm. There will be no evening meetings in any corps (Salvation Army churches) in the city until the state of emergency and curfew have been lifted.

Many businesses in the downtown area are reopening today (Thursday 27 May) with an increased security presence. The American Embassy and Canadian High Commission are also reopening.