Police play critical role in launch of ENDS pilot in Portmore

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says it will be playing a critical role in policing the pilot launch of the E-commerce National Delivery Solution (ENDS) in Portmore, St. Catherine.

“We want to ensure that Jamaica continues e-commerce in a manner that is reflective of how other more developed nations conduct themselves during the period of curfew”, said Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of National Security, Senator Matthew Samuda, while speaking at a post Cabinet press briefing held at Jamaica House yesterday.

The pilot project is expected to commence this Friday and end on April 9, 2021.

The e-commerce project serves to encourage and facilitate payment and delivery for several services offered by restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores among others. 

“The idea is that in an equitable, inclusive manner, we will connect demand and supply outside of curfew hours because, as we said from the very beginning of this pandemic, our target has been to protect lives and livelihoods."

"This is one programme that we believe will continue our policy direction, which was outlined by Prime Minister Holness to ensure there is indeed business continuity and also protection of those who interact in the commercial environment”, Minister Samuda explained.

Minister Samuda said the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) has developed a registration portal to issue, revoke and manage permits for prospective businesses to operate during curfew hours.

These permits will be accessible to the police force, relevant government agencies and members of the public, who will be utilising the services of businesses participating in the pilot.

“Applications will be reviewed by the Social Development Commission (SDC), the Portmore City Municipality, the Transport Authority, as well as the JCF, to ensure businesses are compliant”, Minister Samuda said.

He added that police officers “will be able to see which taxi or approved route bike will make deliveries and most importantly, we believe it does not create any significant security risk because the system is designed to be cashless”.

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