‘Play di fool and find out’ - Holness warns criminals

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness says he is warning criminals attempting to exploit the construction of the Raintree Commercial Complex in St Catherine that sympathy won't be given when they are caught.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony of the $3.8 billion development, Holness cautioned that if these illicit actors are allowed to interfere in the beginning of the construction it would amount to the state giving up control of the project and create an environment where practices such as extortion could become rampant.

"For those criminals listening, for those dons listening, for those who feel like they have control over this area, try it and see...play di fool and find out," he stated.

He commended the security forces for achieving a 36 per cent reduction in murders this year, and attributed this progress to the government's strategic investments in national security over the last nine years.

The Prime Minister highlighted the implementation of the Zones of Special Operations, deployment of the States of Emergencies, and investing in the equipment, capability and training of the Jamaica Defence Force and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

"Those criminals who believe that they are operating in the same space are mistaken, and it is important that I warn them because when they get what is coming to them, and there are those who will cry out in sympathy for them, the society will know that I went to great lengths publicly to warn them...and I would encourage you to take my words seriously," he said.

Holness in the meantime, said today's groundbreaking is the first definitive step in activating a space that has been zoned, master planned and environmentally assessed to support a new generation of enterprise and employment.

"It will deliver a much needed supply of service, investment ready lots in proximity to major roads and urban centres, fulfilling a market gap of modern commercial infrastructure outside of Kingston's core," he said.

He shared that the commercial complex, that is being undertaken by the Urban Development Corporation, will support long term private investments exceeding $15 billion, with 2000 jobs being created during construction and more than 5000 jobs to be created over the long term. He noted that these jobs will be in high growth sectors such as business process outsourcing, logistics, manufacturing, warehousing and other commercial activities.

"This project represents real opportunities for people; I can see the welders, the technicians, the engineers, the administrative staff, the ICT professionals and small entrepreneurs. This is how we translate our economic gains into better lives for the people," he said.

- Sashana Small

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