KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition leader Portia Simpson Miller has called on the Government to urgently reveal its plans to tackle the upsurge in crime within recent months.

“The crime wave we have seen over the last few months will have a devastating effect on economic growth and development if it is not checked. It is important that the Government and the police tell the nation urgently the measures being implemented to keep our country safe,” the former Prime Minister said in a release today.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness is expected to announce new measures to be implemented based on recommendations by the National Security Council, following a special meeting of Cabinet earlier today.

Simpson Miller, in her release a short while ago said: “I am troubled by recent news and other reports that some young girls have been abducted and attempts have been made to abduct others. There has also been news of the gruesome murder of girls and women.

“This, added to the general upsurge in murders in recent months, has led to a state of panic across the island.”

She stated that the country is anxious to hear from the Government a coherent and comprehensive crime plan. “So far all we have heard are empty promises and gimmickry.”

The Opposition leader also suggested that the Government considers recommendations made by Senator Lambert Brown in the Senate last week.

Read more: Opposition senator suggests establishing Parliamentary Committee to fight crime

Meanwhile, Simpson Miller reminded the public that “while we depend on the Government and the police to protect us, we all have a responsibility to look after ourselves and to look out for each other”. 

“Be vigilant, be careful of strangers in your communities and keep your children close to you,” she said.