ST JAMES, Jamaica — The security forces are seeking to reassure residents and stakeholders in St James that they will continue to maintain a strong presence in the parish as the State of Public Emergency (SOE) comes to an end at midnight.

The Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force reported a short while ago that Deputy Commissioner of Police Clifford Blake and Colonel Radgh Mason of the Jamaica Defence Force had a high level meeting to discuss the joint effort needed to keep the residents of the parish safe as the SOE is lifted.

Residents are being assured that heightened operational activities will continue to mitigate any erosion of gains made over the last year.

Additional resources will also be deployed to support the security forces within the parish, the CCU said. The security forces are also asking citizens for their continued support as they partner to maintain safer communities.

The measure comes to an end tonight, following a vote by the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) in December against its extension.

With the Opposition voting against the extension, the St James SOE which was the last to end will terminate tonight, while the emergency powers ceased to apply for St Catherine North on January 2 and sections of the Corporate Area on January 7.

The government needed a two-third majority of the 63 MPs to make the crime fighting measure remain constitutionally legal.