KINGSTON, Jamaica – National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang issued a call for unity among stakeholders in the security sector.
In a statement on Saturday, Chang said, there are those, who for various reason will find a problem with every measure “which is a potential and demonstrable effective contributor to reducing violent crime which has plagued Jamaica for decades”.
“Too many stakeholders have been sending conflicting signals about their support for law enforcement and fail to recognise that it will take nothing short of serious, strategic and sustained measures to successfully tackle crime,” he added.
The National Security Minister called on stakeholders “to show, in their posture, recognition for the fact that as a society we cannot tolerate a situation where the interest and lives of criminals are given priority over the security of law abiding citizens, including members of the security force”.
Chang also said that the Andrew Holness led administration will use all the lawful tools available to protect Jamaicans from “hoodlums” and give additional support to the security forces.
His statement follows the murder of Constable Kemar Francis, 27, late Saturday in the Corporate Area.
The minister said the Government is moving to ensure that necessary support is given to Francis’ family.
“The Government will not relent from devising and fine-tuning strategies intended to combat violent crimes and will continue to support members of the security force who are on the frontline daily.”
He also reminded members of the security forces that “the Government appreciates their service to the country under challenging circumstances”.
Francis’ murder follows an attack on Thursday in Clarendon that killed a 21 year old Jamaica Defence Force solider, Private Reneil King. (CMC)
