KINGSTON – Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Thursday announced the implementation of States of Public Emergency for the central parishes of Clarendon and St Catherine to address the spiralling crime in those parishes.
Speaking at a press conference at Jamaica House, Holness said the states of emergency will be in effect for between 14 days and three months.
“This should come as no surprise. The last time I was here, I said that the next time I am at this podium, a state of emergency would be in Clarendon. St Catherine is an addition to this.”
According to Police Commissioner Major General Antony Anderson, year to date, the parish of Clarendon has been responsible for 100 murders while 91 people have been killed in the St Catherine South Police Division and 66 in St Catherine North.
“The high level of violence has been undermining the lives of residents,” Anderson said
He said the police would be placing a heavy emphasis on investigative strategy and technology.
“Our objectives are to maintain a low violence environment and to disrupt gang activity,” Anderson said.
This is the third State of Public Emergency to be announced in the past six months.
The western parishes of Westmoreland, Hanover and St James are currently under a State of Public Emergency. (CMC)