KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition spokesman on National Security, Peter Bunting, says that the People’s National Party (PNP) welcomes the Government’s call for a bipartisan approach to reducing crime.

“We welcome the call for a bipartisan approach to crime from the prime minister, and the Opposition will answer that call in the national interest,” Bunting said in his Sectoral debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

He said, however, that the government should recognise that “there is no magic overnight solution, so let’s continue (with) what works”.

Bunting said that what works would be: Increased professionalisation of the Jamaica Constabulary Force; no political interference in police operations; greater use of technology and intelligence; more resources allocated to the security forces for crime control measures; and, more school and community-based initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of crime and violence.

“And finally, if the Government is serious about a bipartisan approach, then let us continue the Unite for Change initiative, and let both sides of this House unite for change,” Bunting added.

Balford Henry