THE Government will be undertaking an in-depth assessment of the zones of special operations (ZOSOs) programme in the coming months, Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang has announced.

“This will underpin future adjustments to the zones, which may include broadening of the boundaries as we move into the sustainable phase of the zones currently in operation,” he said while piloting the seven motions to extend by 60 days the ZOSOs in Mount Salem, Denham Town, Greenwich Town, August Town, Norwood, Parade Gardens, and Savanna-la-Mar, which all expire on October 22.

He argued that the policy of the Government has been and continues to be guided by continuous review and reassessment of its programmes to ensure they remain relevant to the needs of the people.

“In the interim I wish to assure the residents of the vulnerable communities that have been earmarked for this kind of activity, the Government is sensitive to the level of violence, informality, and social decay that has taken hold in your communities over the years,” he said.

“The zones of special operations is but one of the tools that we are utilising to provide increased safety and security to you and your families. As we implement Plan Secure Jamaica, the Government is unapologetic about utilising all available security measures and tools to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the people of Jamaica,” he said.

In the meantime, Opposition spokesperson on labour and social security Dr Angela Brown-Burke welcomed the impending ZOSO review.

“I am pleased to hear you speak about looking at what is working and what is not working. I do hope that the sample size that we take to do that kind of audit is broad enough and there is no narrow focus that will determine the targeted areas,” she said.

Under the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Act, an area can be declared a ZOSO once there is rampant criminality, gang warfare, escalating violence and murder, and a threat to the rule of law.

ZOSOs seek to reduce criminal activities, improve social and infrastructural conditions, and enhance economic prospects within the targeted communities.

— Alecia Smith