KINGSTON, Jamaica— Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the upsurge in violence in Spanish Town, St Catherine, is a national emergency and will be dealt with to protect innocent people.

Holness was referring to Tuesday’s (June 14) shooting incidents, which left three people dead and several injured.

“The level of organised criminal activity there is a national emergency. I do not have the luxury to be dithering on these matters anymore; we have to act on it. We have to act to protect innocent law-abiding citizens,” he emphasised.

The Prime Minister, who was addressing the National Disaster Risk Management Council Meeting, held at the Altamont Court Hotel in Kingston on Wednesday (June 15), shared that he grew up in Spanish Town and he would not want the situation to get any further out of control.

“It has the potential, if it is not dealt with strongly, firmly and immediately, to claim many more lives,” Holness said.

He pointed out that there are “viable, legal changes that can be made” to address the matter.

The Prime Minister noted that “in our liberal democracy”, there are certain changes that require the cooperation of the Parliamentary Opposition and even if not required, they need the support of civil society.

“Even if it is not legally required, Government would not want to act without ensuring that there is public discourse, public understanding and that civil society agrees to move ahead,” he said.

The police have reported that the shootings have been linked to an ongoing gang feud in the area, which has escalated recently.

A 48-hour curfew has been imposed in sections of Spanish Town following the deadly shootings. The curfew, which began at 6:00 pm on June 14, will remain in place until Thursday (June 16).