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The epicenter of trade in Jamaica, downtown Kingston had an unusual feel to it today as the high number of individuals associated with its streets throughout the week was noticeably absent yesterday.
This scene was present amidst the ongoing development surrounding the extradition request for Tivoli Garden businessman and benefactor Christopher 'Dudus' Coke that has been sent to the courts.
When The Gleaner visited the district this afternoon known for its low prices, strong culture and colourfulness it was emptier than normal.
As the Gleaner surveyed the area with at least 12 shops were closed on various roads such as Barry Street, Darling Street and Beckford Street.
Ann- Marie Lewis a manager at Bascho Trading Company located on Orange Street said that things were slower than normal.
"It was surely not exciting. It started out a bit tense, as the day went by we saw a few people, but it is going back to normal. People were showing a little caution and they were watching but now they are going about their normal business," she said.
On Darling Street, which splits the market district from Tivoli Gardens, the normal heavy traffic associated with it was not there. Stalls normally used by vendors was used to block an entrance to Tivoli Gardens, which had a number of its entrances blocked, as it residents bunkered down.
The majority of people seen on the roads were school children.
Colin Blair, spokesperson for the Ministry of Education said that while all schools were open there was a lower than normal turnout especially at St. Anne's Primary School located on Bond Street in downtown Kingston.
"My checks with the Regional Director revealed that only a few students were there today. Schools were open generally, we are operating and we hope things remain calm," he said.
Checks made by the Gleaner at the Denham Town Primary located on North Street, revealed that over 250 students were absent today.
Vice Principal of the school Augustus McLean told the Gleaner that 461 students out of a possible 726 turned up for school.
"We had some students turning out, not as many as last week or the week before. All teachers were present though," he said.
McLean said he believed that the tension in the country and the community contributed to the lower turnout.
(him know de ropes and no fraid fe do him ting)
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