KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang says a military type operation is needed to deal with the criminal activities in sections of Clarendon, a parish located on the south of the island as Opposition leader Dr. Peter Phillips plans to meet with the police hierarchy to discuss the crime situation in Jamaica..
Phillips said crime in the area had surpassed the capabilities of a Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO) after the Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mike Henry, called for the ZOSO operations after two police officers were shot and injured during a confrontation with armed bandits on Sunday.
Henry, who is also the parliamentary representative for the area, had also suggested that the authorities implement a State of Public Emergency.
Military operation needed
But Chang said a military operation other than a ZOSO is required to deal with the criminal gangs.
“ZOSO is a community-based operation. This is a criminal gang, heavily armed, which requires a response that is much different from a ZOSO. You have to chase them, hunt them down, find them and hopefully apprehend them. But if they respond, then the police will be prepared to do what they have to do. This is not a ZOSO operation. This is a military operation.
Chang said if “the country needs to appreciate the severity of what the police face, they are armed with assault rifles and appear that certain M-16 they were using have what they call bomb stop magazines which carry 100 rounds. That is not the kind of thing a ZOSO deals with, this requires armed response but guided by intelligence and investigation that can make sure we find the right criminals,” he said.
The May Pen Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed outrage at Sunday’s daylight robbery by the armed gunmen and the president of the private sector group, Winsome Witter said that the Chamber had invested in a closed circuit television (CCTV) system “some years ago” which should have been able to assist in allowing for a quicker response to incidents of crime and violence in the parish.
Blatant disregard for law and order
She said the business community as well as residents in May Pen are fearful because “it is not business as usual” and the criminals are showing “a sense of blatant disregard for law and order.
“No one feels safe at this time,” she said, adding “there’s need for high police intervention”.
PNP seeks urgent, effective measures
Meanwhile, the People’s National Party (PNP) said it wants urgent and effective steps taken to stem the deteriorating law and order situation across the country.
The party said that Opposition Leader Dr Peter Phillips will be seeking a meeting with Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson on the situation and wants to know the Commissioner’s plans to reassure and protect the nation.
Opposition spokesman on National Security Fitz Jackson said despite the presence of the State of Emergency in three western parishes, hardened and apparently well-trained criminals have continued their murderous rampage, carrying out daylight robberies.
