Prime Minister Andrew Holness says his administration is sparing no effort to address the security situation across the country.
In his contribution to the 2018/2019 Budget Debate in Parliament on Wednesday, Holness who declared a State of Public Emergency in the central parish of St. Catherine on the weekend, said the government will remain commitment to Enhanced Security Measures through Zones of Special Operations and States of Public Emergency, as well as a suite of other intelligence driven and targeted responses.
Montague to update parliament
The Prime Minister said at an appropriate time, the Minister of National Security, Robert Montague, will update Parliament in more detail on the operational and strategic results of the security measures.
Reaching out to Opposition
He told Parliament, “The two main threats to our national security are guns and gangs. There is a legitimate call for a plan of action around which the nation can rally. We have developed elements of such a plan, however a key element is political consensus on the elements developed. I have started the process of reaching out to the Opposition to build this consensus and I have seen reciprocal signs.”
According to Holness, the Vale Royal (official residence of the PM) talks – bi-partisan meetings – are scheduled to begin soon.
This announcement from the Prime Minister comes on the heels of a recent call by Opposition leader Dr. Peter Phillips, for the resumption of talks.
“I have invited the Opposition Spokesman on Security to attend the next sitting of the National Security Council to discuss elements of the crime plan and to share the ideas the Opposition would like to be incorporated in the plan,” Holness said.
The PM says he is confident the government and Opposition will be able to reach an understanding to put “National Security above politics in the same way that Government and Opposition have rallied around to pass legislation relating to IMF (International Monetary Fund) targets.
Amendments to Firearms Act
On issues related to guns and ammunition, Holness said the government will be bringing a series of amendments to the Firearms Act to Parliament, in order to discourage the possession of and/or dealing in illegal firearms and ammunition.
He stated that the amendments will also streamline the regulation of the legal arms trade and the functions and activities of the Firearm Licensing Authority.
Closer monitors of gangs
Also related to crime, Holness, disclosed that research is being undertaken to establish a watchlist to monitor persons with gang associations and those who are a part of criminal organizations.
“Persons placed on the watchlist by the courts, will be subject to enhanced surveillance and other measures. Mr. Speaker, for too long we have accepted the concept of a ‘Don’, as almost legitimate leaders of our society. They are able to move freely and conduct their elicit activities as they like. This freedom also allows them to have association and influence over key functionaries in the community and broader society, including law enforcement.”
He said it is time for the country to “deal decisively with gang leaders and dons.”
Holness also stated that the government is proposing a policy of one year of compulsory service in the Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) for out of school unattached youth from age 18 to 24.
He however told Parliament that the policy would not be initiated now.
