Editorial

Extension of State Of Emergency … PM Withdraws Regulations Re Emergency Powers Act.

Regulation 32  & 33 to be amended  ….

Background

The State of Emergency was imposed under Section 21. On January 18, 2018.  Section 31 and Section 34 on continuation. On the 23 rd January so the 18th in Parliament on the  26 th it was debated in the Senate.  The expiration is May 2. To be amended to August 2, 2018.

Amendments

Emergency powers regulations 2 Section 32 and section 33 paragraph 1 … next after the minister. “Written advise of the commissioner of police and Minister of National Security.”

Public Business

PM misplaced his script.  On the 18 Th January the State of Emergency to May 2. The parish of Montego Bay  had 335 murders on April 30 which saw 62 less murders. Giving extraordinary powers to the security forces. Detentions are composed from hot spot mapping.   Outstanding warrants,  offender lists are used..  Powers are not being used in an arbitrary manner. There is no  widespread abuse of human rights. We work with the Public Defender.  Either directly or monitored by the media.  I visited the Barnett Street lock up. I Gave instructions for conditions to be improved.  Wide ranging powers not used arbitrarily. It is for public order. The want law but also order in their community.

One hundred and thirty three (133) arrested and charges  including 33 for murder. We are getting the information on violence. To date of 8 were captured or killed, while resisting arrest.  The State of Emergency may have saved 60 lives and public trust.  The State of Emergency has protrayed the Security Forces, especially the Police in a new light.  People are choosing police over the criminals. Citizens are providing more information. Pinpoint accuracy and less collateral damage.  Gangs in St James are 33. Classified as 25 med 25 + and 50 +. Sparta gang. Also Ski mask gang. Mother lane Ratty gang. (Rattie gang) a medium size. Canterbury, Jim tail Flankers, a small gang , alliance, Vietnam gang in Farm heights. Church lane gang in a Bugga lane. Unknown gang formerly Stone Crusher gang.

Homicide Count

1962 to 1972. 189 murders, by 1980 -880 murders for 1980- 89 new normal 400+. 1990 -2005 1624.  In 2010 the murder figures went across successive governments.  The state of emergency was focussed to attend to an event that the security forces could not deal with normally. West Kingston and Tivoli  … we also went into St. Catherine and murders showed a significant reduction.  To sustain downward swing we need to work together.  If we had continued it was not the doing of the opposition now. We did not need a 2/3 majority then. If the PNP had cooperated then the continuation of the State of Emergency. PM call for policies to unite around crime.  We have to reconsider our public pronouncements on crime.

We are at war with ourselves.  Violence being used as a means of power.

Dr. Peter Phillips, Opposition Leader

“We on this side support efforts to attack crime” Cpl Fisher et al who were injured in Ironshore, St. James invlast weekend’s police operation. We are going to support this extension today.” The choice of green and orange colours is unfortunate.  Jamaica House in a release is not helpful. We need to look at 1962 until now. 1967 first State of Emergency. The State of Emergency of 1976 was political in nature this was coupled with  criminality. It should be noted that 20 percent of cocaine passed through Jamaica. The international community was thinking aggressively about deportation.  Criminals were sent back to finish sentences in Jamaica. On January 18  the State of Emergency was launched in St. James and in St. Catherine we supported it then and will support the extension today. As for Zozo,  we opposed it and we were right.”

“1900+ 117 charged a 6 percent of those detained this deepens division and cause resentment” What is the overall plan to reduce crime levels which are up 17 percent this year to date?

Peter Bunting, MP

PM got into a Tweet storm. 
I am happy for the people of St. James who has seen a 66 percent reduction in crime.

“If you want cooperation you much show respect.” Answer questions tabled and not allow parliament to recess without answering questions.”

Fitz Jackson, Opposition Spokesman on National Security.

“I visited Cpl. Fisher in hospital.”  He said: ” Mr. Jackson as soon as these injuries are better I will be out there ” they talk to me about legal fees,  that is the relationship we have.

We support the state of emergency “We will give support for this state of emergency …. 
We cannot move forward if we don’t see a crime plan.  The murders are down just under 6 percent.  30 less murdered in St. James since January 2018 and when compared  with 2017 year  to date..  St. Andrew South 500 percent  increase in murders.  St.  Catherine North murders are up. year to date 440 shootings and just under 500 murders nationally.

The vote was reported by Clerk To The Houses by Mrs Heather Cooke to the Speaker who announced same.  At press time the debate just ended and voting took place … 53 members voted in favour. The motion was carried.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie  is reporting on parliament today. He is Senior International Correspondent & Photojournalist for Vision Newspaper.

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