KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced the assignment of Colonel Roderick Williams of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) as coordinator in the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The role of national security adviser was first occupied by Major General Antony Anderson but has been vacant since his appointment of as police commissioner.

According to a tweet from the prime minister this morning, Williams will lead the “intensified implementation phase” of Plan Secure Jamaica, which is the Government’s multifaceted approach to crime fighting.

Holness’ announcement follows a disclosure on Monday that his administration will be moving ahead with plans to improve the safety and security of citizens this year, following the “negative” response of the Leader of the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) Dr Peter Phillips to an invitation to meet and reconsider the extensions of the States of Public Emergency to which the PNP voted against on December 11.

The prime minister over the last two days have been having consultations with the island’s security chiefs ahead of the end of the states of public emergency (SOEs) in sections of the island.

The SOE is scheduled to end today in St Catherine North; next Monday in Kingston Western and St Andrew South; and on January 31 in St James.