THE FIRST DUTY OF THE STATE IS THE PROTECTION OF ITS CITIZENS.

Whereas 1,471 Jamaicans were murdered in 2004,

And whereas more than 600 Jamaicans, including policemen and children, have been murdered so far this year,

And whereas Jamaicans now live in deep fear,

And whereas investments, growth and development have been retarded by the crime rate.

Today we stand as Jamaicans, here at Emancipation Park, named, in celebration of our freedom from slavery. We now find ourselves enslaved by criminals.

Be it resolved that effective May 25, 2005, the citizens of Jamaica hereby unite to restore law, order and freedom from fear. to our country.

In the name of every woman, every man and every child that has fallen victim, be it resolved that in pursuit of our unrelenting mission to make Jamaica safe again:

1. The Government of Jamaica, in fulfilment of its first duty to protect its citizens, takes immediate and decisive steps to exercise the powers of the State to seek out and punish the perpetrators of crime, in accordance with the Constitution.

2. All sixty members of the House of Representatives and officers of all the political parties sever and publicly declare in writing by June 15, 2005 a commitment to

(a) disassociate themselves and their constituency organisations from gunmen,

(b) dismantle garrisons, and

(c) disassociate themselves from any association with criminals or the acceptance of any financial or other support from criminal elements.

This commitment must be made with the understanding that the political parties will undertake to publicly rebuke and automatically expel any member who is found to be in breach.

3. Establish a Police Oversight Authority to monitor and report on performance, ensure accountability and advise on the administration of the contracts of the force.

4. The Government takes immediate steps to strengthen the weaknesses in our present judicial system and encourage all Jamaicans to provide evidence in criminal cases before the courts.

5. The Government and Opposition must accelerate the passage of legislation relating to: finger-printing, plea-bargaining and electronic surveillance, including wire-tapping by the end of 2005.

6. The Government takes immediate steps to accelerate its inner-city social intervention programme.

7. The administrative capacity of the Jamaica Constabulary Force must be strengthened, including immediate engagement of additional overseas expertise.

8. The police force must be provided with the necessary tools, working conditions and resources to effectively fight crime.

9. Be it further resolved that:

(a) The private sector will encourage the Jamaican Diaspora to partner with us in our fight against crime.

(b) Families commit to assuming greater responsibility for the conduct of their members.

(c) Every village in Jamaica, working through their Neighbourhood Watch Associations, where they exist, and by creating new anti-crime groups where necessary, (a) develop initiatives to be more vigilant in protecting their neighbourhood,

(b) undertake to report criminal wrongdoing and expose criminals in hiding and (c) provide the police with information that will assist with the apprehension of criminals.

In furtherance of the imperative to effectively bring crime under control:

(d) The private sector undertakes to launch a fund-raising initiative to assist in providing the necessary resources to fight crime. All Jamaicans who share the desire to make our country safe again can voluntarily contribute to the fund through accounts, which will be opened at banks islandwide. The fund will be administered by a select Board of Trustees.

(e) We invite members of the private sector to cement their commitment to the fight against crime by adopting a police station and assist in providing the necessary resources to ensure its effectiveness.

11. The business sector must seek a pledge from its members that they will no longer allow themselves to be victims, rejecting all efforts of extortion.

12. To encourage all private sector companies to pay their taxes, to pay them timely as these resources are needed to fight crime and support education.

13. The Government must lay out its anti-crime strategy and give a clear and precise timetable for the execution of its reform agenda, including the passage of legislation to underpin the process.

Signed this 25th day of May 2005,

in Emancipation Park, Kingston, Jamaica