KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesman on National Security, Derrick Smith, has called for more joint military/police action especially in East Kingston.

Smith expressed condolences to the parents of 17-month-old Trejaun ‘Treasure’ Harvey, and the family of an unidentified man who was also killed in an attack by gunmen on Friday in the East Kingston community of McIntyre Villas (Dunkirk).

The National Security Spokesman said that the gangs operating in East Kingston “are terrorists who gain their power through murder, mayhem and extortion and that only the strongest action by the State can solve this problem”.

Smith added that while curfews, press releases, and condemnation are a part of the response of the State, they are not enough.  He said that much more must be done to send a signal to criminals all over the island that they will find no comfort in any community.

“This issue must be discussed as a priority at Monday’s meeting of the Cabinet, and directives must be forthcoming for increased security for the residents, because the government has a duty to protect the lives and property of its citizens, and to allow them to retain the use of their homes without threats and extortion,” said Smith.

He added that he was surprised to learn that the extortion of residents in the Oliver Road/Rockfort area and the forced handing over of homes and other property to gangsters, which was reported weeks ago in the press, continue unabated and without any arrests being made.

Smith said that in no circumstances must criminals must be allowed to operate with impunity, but even moreso in the circumstances, as the East Kingston belt is the doorway to the city, and there could be a further spread of this type of this activity if it is not curtailed.