Prime Minister Andrew Holness is urging stronger cooperation between residents of the western parish of Hanover and the security forces to further reduce the murder rate there. Since the start of the year, there has been an 11 per cent decline in murders in the parish.
Prime Minister Holness said Thursday that while the reduction is encouraging, there is still cause for concern.
Stronger cooperation needed
“We have given instructions and directions to the security forces and I know that they have been successful in apprehending some of the persons who are alleged or suspected of committing the crimes but that is not going to be enough, there has to be stronger cooperation between the citizens and police to give up the criminals,” he said.
The Prime Minister asserted that the behavior of criminals in the parish will ultimately impact negatively on its tourism prospects.
“This beautiful parish should not be contributing to the murder rate and it is within the power of the citizens to put an end to it. That is the truth. I have regular discussions with the Minister of National Security and with the Commissioner of police and we’re looking at the situation here,” Holness said.
Tourism plans for Hanover
While appealing to the residents to work with the security team, the Prime Minister said plans are afoot to develop tourism in Hanover which will result in employment for residents.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Holness expressed optimism that there will be rapid growth in the parish with little to no murders.
“I believe that Hanover can become one of the fastest growing parishes in Jamaica by virtue of the potential you have in tourism. Let’s get this crime and violence thing under control. It is not the nature of the people of Hanover I know and let’s work together, community and police to bring an end to that problem,” he said.
