KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica Defence Force [JDF] army bases are to be established in remote areas across the country to flush out criminals who feel they are out of reach of the law.

The first such base is to be established in Wareika Hills, St Andrew, Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced on Thursday. He was making his contribution to the Budget Debate in Gordon House.

Holness said that the move was part of a strategic plan by the Government to increase security in the country’s land domain. He said it was also “in response to the growing trend of criminals creating hideouts and camps in very remote and uninhabited areas, from which they launch attacks on communities and then escape back into these areas”.

“The JDF will be expanding its patrol, surveillance and presence in our remote and inaccessible regions across Jamaica,” the prime minister said. He noted that where feasible, permanent presence will be established.

“This will assist not just in detecting criminals and illegal activities, but it will also help in the conservation of the country’s natural resources in these areas,” he explained. He disclosed that last Thursday, he approved the transfer of over 100 acres of hilltop land from the Windsor Farm property in Wareika Hills to the JDF for the creation of a special operations base.

“This is a strategic location from which the JDF can take control of the mountain range and conduct a range of operations in support of the JCF [Jamaica Constabulary Force] and other national security programmes,” said Holness. He told the House that the Wareika Hills base is the first of many such bases to come.  

“We will not cede one inch of land to criminals to feel that they have control and are out of reach of law enforcement and the Jamaican state,” he remarked.

He warned that “If they think that they can hide, go up into the hills, run come down and extort people doing the road work in Bull Bay; we know you, we’re going to find you and you will be dealt with according to the law”.