TODAY'S GENERAL election looks set to cost the business community primarily in the Kingston and St. Catherine area, $250 million in lost revenue, estimates the Executive Director of the Jamaica Employers Federation, (JEF), Jacqueline Coke- Lloyd.

Speaking to Wednesday Business, yesterday on the eve of what looks likely to be a very closely contested general election, she said:" The recent People's National Party rally held in Crossroads last month cost the business community there between $40-$50 million. We at the JEF conservatively estimate that election day voting and its accompanying reduction of business activity for the day, will cost the business community in the capital approximately $250 million for the lost day of business."

She further added that many businesses had opted to open their doors for just half the day rather than allow employees the stipulated three hours off to vote and there are those who will simply shut up shop for the day. Of particular concern to the JEF are the number of employers anxious about the safety of their workers with feelings running high in a hard fought campaign.

"We believe businesses would not have to undergo these costly interruptions if there were fixed date elections. It is something that bears considering in the future

ELECTION DAY PLANS FOR SOME COMPANIES

Yvonne Hubert Lawrence, Corporate Communications Officer, Jamaica Public Service Company

"To allow its staff the opportunity to exercise its right to vote in today's General Election, the Jamaica Public Service Company is closing its customer service band administrative offices at 1.00 p.m. Persons who work on shift will also be allowed the same four hours off, including lunch time, to exercise the right to vote. Errol Robinson, Personnel Manager, Wray & Nephew

Under the law no alcohol can be sold on election day so therefore we will be closed for the day.

Yvonne Thompson, Personnel Manager, Burger King

"We are encouraging our employees who work late shifts and who live in volatile areas to vote earlier during the course of the day. Some outlets will be closing earlier than usual with Head Office possibly closing in the early afternoon. Those starting shifts between 6 and 7 a.m. will be leaving to vote at 2 p.m. Those coming in between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. will now be coming in at 11 a.m. Our drivers have an understanding that the safety of the staff is very important and will be instructed to be extra vigilant.

Yvonne Jacqueline Thelwell, Vice-President, Operations and Marketing-Institute of Management Sciences (IMS) and Institute of Management and Production (IMP)

"We posted notices on Monday to the effect that student classes are to be suspended for the day and evening sessions. Those who live in troubled areas were asking whether they should make their way in. We have advised them to stay at home. We will be operating a skeleton staff and will be playing it by ear.