States of Public Emergency (SOE) are now in effect for the parishes of St James and Westmoreland.

The SOEs, which commenced at 12:01 am on Thursday, will remain in effect for an initial period of 15 days.

The declaration, which was handed down by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, was recommended by Commissioner of Police, Major General Antony Anderson and Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) Chief of Defense Staff, Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman.

According to a release, the SOEs were once again declared in these parishes due to a spike in violence.

“Over the period January 1, 2023, to June 19, 2023, the St James police division had the highest number of murders across all police divisions with a total of 95 murders. Westmoreland recorded the second-highest number of murders across police divisions for the same period with a total of 54 murders,” the statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said.

In announcing the SOEs this morning, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the measure represents the government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives of innocent citizens.

“We have some success in reducing murders, however, criminal acts have become more brutal and gruesome. We must dismantle the threat to law and order posed by the prevalence of organised gangs. The Government will continue to use all available tools to protect the lives of our citizens,” said Holness.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang reiterated that the rule of law, public safety and national security continue to be threatened by crime and violence.

He said: “As a Government, we must respond to this threat and challenge the culture of criminality that exists in some communities within these areas”.

This is the latest crime prevention measure being announced in St James as only last month, a 14-day SOE was declared in the parish, along with Clarendon and Hanover.

READ: SOEs declared for Hanover, St James and Clarendon

The SOEs empower the security forces, including the JDF, to carry out targeted operations aimed at disrupting and dismantling criminal gangs and their networks while preventing serious crimes.

The government went on to assure the public that the safety and security of all Jamaicans remain the utmost priority.