Stop sending criminals mixed signals - PM Holness

Prime Minister Andrew Holness is calling on Jamaicans to stop extending “grace” to criminals.

He was speaking at a post cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House this morning while responding to Monday’s fatal shooting of three persons, including two schoolboys, in St James.

“I am not here to stir up the nation into vengeance. But I think this country needs to stop sending mixed signals to criminals. They are not going to return any grace you give them. They are not reasonable people. They are terrorists – and must be treated as such,” the Prime Minister said.

Holness also used the opportunity to declare a state of emergency (SOE) in the parish of St James.

“It is the assessment of the security forces that the situation in St James merits this response and the use of emergency powers. I am sure that is not in debate,” he said.

The SOE, which took effect at 12:00 a.m. on Wednesday, will run for 14 days after which there must be Parliamentary approval for any extension. 

States of emergency allow the security forces, or authorised persons, enhanced powers of search and arrest and limit the right of detained persons to due process.

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