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Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, on Sunday (June 14) declared a State of Public Emergency (SOE) in the Kingston Western and Kingston Central Police divisions.

Making the announcement during a media briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Media Centre, Mr. Holness said the enhanced security measure will initially last for 14 days and is a response to increased criminal activities in the divisions.

A Proclamation to this effect was signed by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen.

“This will connect the States of Public Emergency existing in the Kingston East and St. Andrew South Police Divisions, creating an effective security corridor along the Waterfront from Bull Bay in the east to Ferry in the west,” Mr. Holness said.

He noted that the space now declared has seen increased criminal activity in the second quarter of this year.

“These areas if left unchecked, have shown historically, that they can spiral to chaotic ends, even having national disruptive impact,” Mr. Holness stressed.

The Prime Minister pointed out that there have been increased criminal activities in extortion, especially around the market districts and the South Coast Highway Improvement Project, along the Harbour View to Bull Bay route.

“At the launch of this project, I was clear that we will not allow criminals or politically connected persons to extort, holdup, or threaten the workers in any way,” Mr. Holness said.

“This is a national project and the Government will deal decisively with anyone who seeks to disrupt or otherwise interfere with the smooth operation of this much-anticipated project for the benefit of all Jamaica and particularly the people of St. Thomas,” he added.

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Article: Published in the JIS on Sunday June 14, 2020
Writer: Ainsworth Morris