Vendors pack up their goods in the aftermath of the rumours.

Some businesses in the usually busy commercial districts of downtown Kingston closed their doors early yesterday and sent their staff home as rumours spread throughout the area that the extradition order for Tivoli Gardens strong man, Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, has been signed.

When the STAR visited the area at about 3 p.m., several businessowners were seen drawing down their shutters and displaying their 'Closed' signs as they made preparations to end the business day prematurely.

extradition order

An employee of a popular wholesale on Orange Street told the STAR that they had been allowed to leave for home early because they had heard that the extradition order had been signed. The employee further stated that the regular closing time for that business is 4:30 p.m.

People were also observed using their cellphones, and overheard spreading the rumours while one man was seen shouting the phrase 'Storm, Storm, Storm', which may be considered as a warning for immediate departure from downtown.

However, not everyone seemed to be aware of the rumours as some persons were seen conducting business as usual. Some vendors remained on the sidewalks peddling their wares, and some wholesales were still crowded with customers as they continued business.

Nonetheless, it appeared that the majority of persons in downtown had been informed of the rumours as a large crowd of passengers were seen gathered at a makeshift bus stop at the intersection of Tower and King streets as they were informed that buses would be avoiding the designated bus stops as a precautionary measure.

Shortly after, businesses in Cross Roads, New Kingston and Half-Way Tree also closed their shutters, obviously taking no chances with the rumours.

The police later issued a statement advising the public to remain calm and to refrain from circulating any false or misleading information which might result in panic and to contact 119 in the event of a police emergency.

This man locks up his establishment.

A businesswoman closes her store in downtown Kingston early yesterday afternoon.

Traffic came to a standstill along Heroes Circle in Kingston yesterday as most business places closed their doors early, and people rushed to avoid downtown Kingston and get home. - Norman Grindley