KING’S VALLEY, Westmoreland — National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang said he is satisfied with measures implemented to deal with a surge in murders in the Green Island Police Division in Hanover.

The division recorded a 300 per cent surge in killings in April.

“To date, I am satisfied that they are taking quick and decisive action in these areas,” Dr Chang told the Jamaica Observer following a tour of Grange Hill in Westmoreland on Thursday afternoon.

He stressed that the deployment of police to deal with the challenges from gangs in the area is in the remit of the commissioner of police.

Green Island has been under a 72-hour curfew since 5:00 pm on Thursday, as the security forces try to mitigate the fallout from inter-gang conflict and an influx of criminals. The curfew commences at the Guango Tree community and encompasses Salt Spring, Santoy, Logwood Fish River and Orange Bay.

“There are two gangsters down there who are having quarrels… and they are responsible for a number of homicides recently,” stated Chang.

On Wednesday, the officer in charge of Green Island Police Division, Inspector Mervin Hodges appealed for public cooperation and partnership.

“Report strange men and do not harbour criminals in the community. It is paramount that the area remains calm for peaceful and economical activities,” he urged.

“An upsurge in criminal activities affects the social life and settings of the community,” Hodges added.

On April 11, police reported that Green Island in Hanover Western, along with Montpelier and Sandy Bay in Hanover Eastern, had contributed to a surge in murders in the parish despite a 46 per cent reduction when compared to the January to April 11 period last year.

At that time, the crime officer for Hanover, Deputy Superintendent of Police Carl Brown told the Hanover Municipal Corporation’s monthly general meeting that Green Island had contributed to 77 per cent of the murders in the parish.