Prime Minister Warns of Deeper Problem of Organized Violence in Jamaica
Kingston, Jamaica, CMC—Prime Minister Andrew Holness warned Tuesday that Jamaica has a deeper problem of organized violence in society and that the solution does not lie solely with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
"We have something called in Jamaica organized violence. You cannot organize crime, and there is no violence. Our organized criminals choose to use violence even when it is not necessary, and so you just can’t merely say the response of the police breaches human rights (and) criticize the police in unfair and unjust ways."
Addressing the Root Cause
"We have a deeper problem of organized violence, and even domestic unorganized violence in society," said Holness. "The solution is in more than just the JCF. The solution is what we are doing in our schools and in the justice system to promote conflict resolution and mediation, and we are currently doing all of those things."
Government’s Plan for Security
In February, during the budget, the government said it had budgeted nearly two billion dollars to carry out vital infrastructural works in the upcoming fiscal year to improve several facilities for members of the JCF. Of the total, J$882 million has been earmarked for the new police divisional headquarters to be constructed in Westmoreland, J$50 million to continue works on the Forensic Pathology Autopsy Suite, and J$990 million for the construction of the St. Catherine North Police Divisional Headquarters.
"We are not only focusing on the JCF," said Holness. "We are doing a comprehensive approach to national security. We will shortly present a National Security Act that looks at security from a comprehensive point of view, from Customs, anti-corruption, cyber, telecommunications, finance, and all elements that could threaten the safety and security of the state."
Filtering Out Unwanted Recruits
Holness stressed that the authorities are working to filter out unwanted recruits from the JCF. "We are doing an intensive process of polygraphing for everyone who joins the JCF and those who are promoted," he said. "We also receive a report every month on the filtering process from MOCA."
Advice to Criminals
"My advice to the criminals is just leave. Just put down your gun and leave because the police are going to get you, one by one, two by two, and I am certain you are going to hear four and five. You are doing it lawfully, protecting the innocent while ensuring that we bring those who are breaking the law…who are organizing violence, we bring them before the courts."
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Prime Minister’s speech highlights the complexity of addressing organized violence in Jamaica, emphasizing that the solution is not solely reliant on the JCF. Instead, it requires a comprehensive approach involving the government, schools, and justice system to promote conflict resolution and mediation, while ensuring that the JCF is led by a talented and responsible leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is the government addressing organized violence in Jamaica?
The government is taking a comprehensive approach, including improving facilities for the JCF, promoting conflict resolution and mediation, and filtering out unwanted recruits.
- Why is the JCF unable to solely address organized violence?
The Prime Minister emphasizes that organized violence is a deep-rooted problem that requires a broader solution than just relying on the JCF. The solution involves the government, schools, and justice system.
- What measures are being taken to filter out unwanted recruits?
The authorities are using polygraph testing for every recruit and promotion, with reports being received every month.