AN oversight body, the Rule of Law Working Group, has been established to assist the Government in its fight against crime and violence in the country.

The group, comprising members of the Partnership for Jamaica, will assist in improving participation and accountability as well as provide a more objective and authoritative assessment of developments in the area of crime and violence.

Making the disclosure on Monday Minister of National Security Peter Bunting said the body will give the citizens a greater voice and influence in this national effort to reduce crime and violence, and create a safer Jamaica.

The minister was speaking at a vehicle handover ceremony at the Office of the Commissioner of Police, in Kingston.

Bunting said this working group is the third area of focus of the Partnership for Jamaica and will be similar to the Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC) and Electricity Sector Enterprise Team (ESET), which are successfully assisting in the areas of economy and energy, respectively.

He said it is not being suggested that this intervention by itself is going to be a ‘silver bullet’, “but certainly, we hope that it will bring a more rational approach and a more objective voice into the public discussion, than how it has tended to proceed in a very partisan and superficial and emotive way.”

The Rule of Law Working Group will be chaired by Vice-President of the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association Howard Mitchell.

The Partnership for Jamaica includes representatives of major organisations and interest groups in the society.

Under the Partnership for Jamaica Agreement, which was signed by the government, trade unions, private sector organisations and civil society groups, there is a reaffirmation and recommitment to the principles of social dialogue and partnership, as well as a resolve to embark on a programme for Jamaica’s stabilisation, growth with equity and sustainable development, through a social partnership, initially over the period 2013-2016.

Priority areas of focus for the first three years include fiscal consolidation (with social protection and inclusion); adherence to the rule of law (and timely justice outcomes); ease of doing business and employment creation; and energy diversification and conservation.

During the ceremony, the minister handed over 64 new vehicles to the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

— JIS