LUCEA, Hanover – Three-term Member of Parliament for Hanover Western Ian Hayles has come out in support of the declaration of the state of public emergency in the parish.

“Any measure that the state puts in place that is under the constitution that doesn’t infringe on the rights of the people, I am for it, so yes, I fully support the state of public emergency,” Hayles told the Jamaica Observer West.

He argued that the measure is necessary to curtail crime and violence, which are prevalent in the parish.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Monday announced a state of public emergency in Hanover, St James and Westmoreland, which will remain in effect for 14 days.

Up to the end of last week, Hanover had recorded 13 murders — a mere seven per cent decline when compared to the same period last year.

The People’s National Party’s member of parliament argued that the parish, over the last couple of years, have seen a significant increase in serious crimes, but noted that since Superintendent Sharon Beeput was put in charge of the parish, “some gains have been made.”

 “Gains have been made but, I would like as MP to see a further decrease, so I commend her and every member of the security forces because they are what stands between law-abiding citizens and criminals,” he argued.

 — Mark Cummings