By now, you would have heard it in the news, at the barber shop or your favorite hairdresser, or your favorite watering hole, that the Government of Jamaica has imposed a 14-day State of Public Emergency in parishes of St James, Hanover, and Clarendon.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the security measure is in response to a surge in criminal activities.
In his announcement on Tuesday morning, May 16, 2023, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the move is to safeguard the lives of innocent citizens.
Commissioner of Police Anthony Anderson said the upsurge of criminal activities in the three parishes more than justifies the security measure.
“The Clarendon Police Division has witnessed a significant increase in murders and shooting incidents, with a 67% increase in murders and a 41% increase in shooting incidents as of May 14, 2023, compared to the same period last year. This necessitates the declaration of the State of Public Emergency,” said Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson.
“Although experiencing a decline in murders by 27%, St James still had the highest number of murders across all police divisions, with 69 recorded. The division also had the fourth highest number of shooting incidents, with 34 incidents during the same period last year,” Anderson added.
Commissioner of Police Anthony Anderson
For Hanover, the police commissioner revealed that the division had witnessed a 75% increase in murders, up to May 14, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022.
In the meantime, Dr. Horace Chang, Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister of National Security urged citizens to see the enhanced security measures as an opportunity to join the fight against criminality.
“We call upon every citizen, not just those living in the affected areas, to support these security measures. By standing united, we will win the war on guns, gunmen, and gangs.”
Dr. Horace Chang, Deputy Prime Minister
Prime Minister Andrew Holness chimed in with the following:
“We must come together as a nation to fight against criminality. I urge citizens to share information and fully cooperate with the security forces. Together, we can make Jamaica a safer place.”
Prime Minister Andrew Holness