States of Emergency were not legal - JFJ

Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) has said that the present States of Public Emergency (SOEs) have not adhered to Jamaica's laws.

In a media release yesterday, the organisation said it had taken note of the recent developments regarding the three ongoing SOEs, which by virtue of Parliamentary vote on Tuesday, will come to an end next January.

JFJ noted that a SOE is a serious constitutional measure and that Jamaican law requires that in instances where the Government makes the decision to suspend some fundamental rights, under a SOE, that other key steps must be taken to protect citizens.

"Sadly, despite the best of intentions, the present States of Emergency have not adhered to the laws of this country," the release said.

The organisation noted that since the declaration of the first SOE in January, national stakeholders and public institutions have produced evidence of serious challenges.

SERIOUS CHALLENGES

"Over the course of the year, the rejection of evidence that serious challenges exist has resulted in a moral and political dilemma for those members of society who support both fighting crime and protecting human rights," said Executive Director of JFJ, Rodje Malcolm.

JFJ said it deeply regrets the fact that the political leaders remain unable to agree on a crime-fighting strategy.

"For any security measure to produce the long-term transformation that we all desire, it must enjoy broad societal support and not harm or alienate the most powerless among us. Criminal elements must be dismantled and brought to justice, and our state officials must uphold not break the law in discharging their duties. Without both, we will never achieve a safe and just Jamaica," said Malcolm.