Residents in sections of Westmoreland affected by a recently imposed curfew are pleading with the Government to ease restrictions, arguing that the measure is crippling livelihoods and worsening hardships already caused by Hurricane Melissa.

The appeals came during interviews with The Gleaner, as residents complained about lost income, aggressive policing, and deteriorating living conditions. However, Senior Superintendent of Police for Westmoreland, Othneil Dobson, defended the curfew, saying it was necessary to protect lives following a recent spike in violence.

Kalia Forrester, a resident of the Frome Division, said communities such as Burnt Savannah are struggling to cope under the restrictions.