PM Holness Tours Westmoreland amid Crime Upsurge

Following the death of one policeman in Westmoreland and the recent upsurge in crime and violence in western Jamaica, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has visited the tri-parish SOE. Mr. Holness says the Government is committed to providing more resources to quell crime in the western region.

In recent days the parish of Westmoreland has seen a surge in violent crime, including murder, which has driven perceptions of lawlessness in the parish. Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, (JCF) are mourning the death of their colleague, the latest victim of the ongoing violence, a trainee Constable Duvaugn Brown.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness while on his visit to the parish, says based on his observation, Westmoreland currently has a shortage of law enforcement officers noting there is a similarity in most communities across the island.

The PM explains that the states of emergency manned by the police and members of the Jamaica Defence Force, (JDF) affect some level of crime control.

He adds the main source of crime and violence in the western region is ongoing friction between gangs, and the Government is committed to investing more resources. In the meantime, when asked if the states of emergency will be lifted to accommodate a Local Government election, he had this to say..

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