Throne Speech: Gov’t to ensure peace dividends are felt across the society – GG
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a bid to maintain the gains made by the security forces in reducing crime, particulalry murders, the Ministry of National Security and Peace will pursue amendments to key legislation during the 2026/27 legislative year.
Among the pieces of legislation up for review are the Aliens Act, the Immigration Restriction Act, and the Firearms Act.
This was stated by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen on Thursday as he delivered the 2026 Throne Speech at Gordon House, outlining the legislative priorities of the Government for the year ahead.
“We are also ensuring that the peace dividends are felt across the wider society, as all ministries, departments, and agencies work collectively to sustain peace and good public order,” said Sir Patrick.
He said priorities for the period ahead include reform of the Corrections Act, review of public-order legislation, expansion of security technology, upgrades to JamaicaEye, continued facility construction, and the commencement of a new specialised operations facility.
“The execution of the Government’s security programme, Plan Secure Jamaica, continues to deliver strong results, most notably the significant decline in crime and violence, particularly murders and shootings,” said the head-of-state.
He highlighted that since 2023, Jamaica has recorded a sustained and accelerating reduction in homicides, with this momentum continuing into 2026. He also noted that in January 2026, murders declined by 55 per cent compared with the same period in 2025.
“The long-held dream of a safer, more peaceful Jamaica is no longer distant — it is steadily becoming a reality that Jamaicans can see and feel in their communities,” he said.
Sir Patrick told the joint sitting of the Parliament that the Government continues to invest in strengthening the physical infrastructure of the Jamaica Constabulary Force to provide modern, fit-for-purpose facilities for both police officers and the public they serve.
In this regard, over $17 billion in capital projects has been committed, and despite the impact of Hurricane Melissa, 27 restoration projects valued at J$2 billion are already underway or scheduled to commence.
Technology development also continues apace, with the C5 Business Solution to be implemented this fiscal year and the expansion of the Ticketing Information Management System (TIMS) to support improved public order.
