Vendors in the Half-Way Tree area of St Andrew say that they are concerned about the increased presence of homosexuals in the Mandela Park.

The vendors say that homosexuals have been using the park as a regular meeting spot and are converging there in numbers nightly. There are also reports that some of these men have been using the Emancipation Park as a regular meeting spot on weeknights as well.

When the STAR visited the Half-Way Tree area recently, a group of vendors who were gathered discussing the matter, explained that nightly after 9 p.m., the men are "in deh like sand". One angry vendor said "them tek over, a fi dem park". Another vendor pointed out that on week nights, other suspected homosexuals hang around close to the Half-Way Tree clock waiting for the arrival of luxurious vehicles which come by to pick them up.

One Rastafarian man, who was in discussion with other vendors about the suspected homosexual activities, told THE STAR that he recently returned to Jamaica and had heard the rumours of the men's activities while he was abroad. He said he was shocked to discover that it was true.

The vendors complained that the men make no effort to conceal their actions.

According to the vendors, some of those suspected of homosexual behaviour have bleached faces, braided hairs, pierced ears and lips, and also wear tattoos.

On the other hand, another vendor pointed out that some of them dress normal and so it is sometimes hard to differentiate between them.

According to the vendors, the police make regular patrols in the Mandela Park, sometimes in an effort at preventing the gathering of homosexuals.

However, when the STAR contacted the Half-Way Tree Police Station, we were informed that no official reports have been made in the matter.