SOEs in Clarendon, St Ann and West Kingston end Tuesday
The states of emergency (SOEs) that were declared for the entire parishes of Clarendon and St Ann, as well as the Kingston Western Police Division on February 15, will end Tuesday.
When he announced the latest SOEs in a Jamaica House statement, Prime Minister Andrew pointed to a surge in criminal activities in the affected areas as the justification for imposing the emergency measure.
“The declaration of States of Public Emergency will allow the security forces to carry out targeted operations to disrupt and dismantle criminal gangs and their networks and prevent the occurrence of serious crimes,” Holness said.
Stating that the safety and security of all Jamaicans remain the top priority of the Government, the prime minister urged citizens to cooperate with the security forces while the SOEs are in effect.
“Organised gangs are the main source and cause of violence, leading to fear and terror in some communities. The Government must protect innocent citizens from these criminal gangs and, therefore, must act,” Holness added.
The prime minister said the SOEs were imposed based on the advice of the commissioner of police and the chief of defence staff.
SOEs, which are routinely used by the Government were imposed in eight parishes last December.