Despite a spike in violent crime in western Jamaica, Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the government is not considering declaring a limited State of Emergency – at least not yet.
He said he remains confident the security forces have the capacity to effectively address the problems.
Over the past few weeks, there has been a spike in gun violence – resulting in death in some instances – in the western parish of St. James.
He added that he did not want a sense of siege to take over Jamaicans through the implementation of a State of Emergency, but will be keeping that option open.
Holness pointed out that once the country’s economy starts growing at an acceptable rate, crime should fall.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Holness is appealing to citizens to take information about criminals and their activities to the police.
The Jamaican leader pointed to the need for citizens and the police to build a bond of trust in an effort to stamp out crime and violence.
He said he has also had discussions with Commissioner of Police Dr. Carl Williams to undertake measures to ensure the integrity of the police force in Montego Bay.
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