Phillips joins call for ZOSO in May Pen

Opposition Leader Dr Peter Phillips has joined the growing list of persons who have called for enhanced security measures in May Pen, Clarendon.

"I think the time has come for the declaration of a ZOSO (zone of special operations) in a town like May Pen," Phillips said after he visited Sergeant David Craddock, who was shot and injured by gunmen in the town on Sunday.

The political representatives in Central Clarendon have made strong demands for increased security presence in the parish, particularly in May Pen.

Mike Henry, the member of parliament, has renewed his call for the establishment of a zone of special operations in the parish capital, "as the situation just cannot be allowed to continue as is".

At the same time, Zuleika Jess, the People's National Party's caretaker for the constituency, said May Pen is experiencing a crisis, and there is need for emergency measures in the town.

The calls from the politicians follow a brazen daylight attack by criminals with high-powered weapons in May Pen on Sunday morning. The incident left two cops injured. A police sergeant and a constable, both attached to the May Pen Police Station, were shot and injured as they attempted to foil a robbery at a supermarket in Guinep Tree along Main Street.

Henry said there can now be no question about the need for some special security arrangements for May Pen, "something I have been calling for, for quite some time now, and for which the time has come in no uncertain manner."

He said criminal elements in the town have "gotten out of hand and are showing scant regard for the police."

Phillips, who was accompanied by Fitz Jackson, Donna Scott Motley and Jess, said there is clear need for increased security presence in May Pen.

"It has been happening time and time again, and I can't understand why the prime minister and the minister of national security don't use the legislative powers available under the ZOSO legislation that would bring a military component along with the police and allow some measure of social reform transformation to take place in the communities," he said.