KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of National Security Robert Montague this afternoon declared that 2017 is the year for law-abiding citizens as he outlined plans to tackle the country’s crime situation.

The minister encouraged members of the public, to pass on information to authorities. He stated that this can be done by writing a letter, placing the letter in an envelope marked with an ‘X’.According to the minister, arrangements will be made with the Jamaica post to have the letters delivered to the varying police stations.Montague also said that part of the crime strategy is to target gangs and make amendments to some criminal legislation.“We are going to be amending the Fingerprint Act, Firearm Licensing Act”, Montague said, adding that praedial larceny will now fall under the Proceeds of Crime Act and changes will be made to the Noise Abatement Act.He also announced that the inspectorate of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) will be given more power as a result the amendment of rules governing their body.Montague was making his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in Parliament.Moya Hinds