Prime Minister Andrew Holness (at podium) declares a State of Public Emergency for the St. Catherine North Police Division. Pictured (from left) are: Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Rocky Meade; Acting Commissioner of Police, Clifford Blake; National Security Minister Robert Montague; Justice Minister Delroy Chuck; and incoming Police Commissioner, Major General Antony Anderson.
A slew of murders and rampant crime in parts of the … parish of St Catherine has prompted authorities to declare a State of Public Emergency in a second parish since the start of the year.
On the heels of the State of Public Emergency in St James – which was declared in January and has been extended until May 2 – Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Sunday declared a similar state of affairs in the St Catherine North Police Division, for 14 days in the first instance.
A joint Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)/Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) team was deployed to the area yesterday morning to undertake enhanced security measures, in accordance with the Emergency Powers Act.
Police reported last night that 94 people were detained yesterday, 24 of whom were later released. Of the remainder, 20 were processed and kept overnight, while the remaining 50 were being processed with a view to determine whether they will be further detained or released.
In announcing the State of Public Emergency at a press conference, Prime Minister Holness said the move was necessary as crime and violence, particularly murders, had been escalating in the St Catherine North Police Division.
The area has recorded 49 murders since the start of the year, mainly due to gang activity.
“Under these enhanced security measures, the security forces will have extraordinary powers and some (citizens’) rights will be suspended,” Holness said.
He advised that the security forces would have the power to search; detain persons without a warrant; and curtail the operating hours of businesses as well as access to venues.
Additionally, all persons using roads leading into and out of St Catherine North and their vehicles will be subject to search.
“In various areas, there will be joint static and mobile patrols. Persons may also be stopped at various checkpoints,” the Prime Minister further indicated.
However, he assured that the security forces’ use of that authority could not be arbitrary or beyond review.
“The security forces are expected and have been directed to treat citizens with respect and (to) protect the dignity and safety of all Jamaicans,” he emphasized.