KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the private security industry is an essential component of the national security framework.

“The concept of public security is complex, multi-dimensional and requires cross-ministerial and cross-sectoral inclusion for long-term and meaningful solutions. It requires purposeful partnership with the private sector and civil society to meet the current challenges”, stated Holness.He was delivering the keynote address at the Guardsman Group Security Forum today at the Knutsford Court Hotel.Holness further added that the dialogue between Government and the Private Security Industry must be strengthened so as to improve citizen security and public safety.“The cost of crime continues to be documented for its debilitating effect on growth and development and crime itself has been identified as Jamaica’s primary public safety concern,” said Holness.He said that there must be a commitment to responsible statehood and proactive citizenship in achieving public safety through expanded investment in security and cooperation and synergy across sectors.