Jamaica: PM Holness Declares Regional States Of Emergency Amid Rising Gang Violence

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Jamaica: PM Holness Declares Regional States Of Emergency Amid Rising Gang Violence

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has declared a state of public emergency in parts of the capital Kingston and in some central and western parishes in an attempt to control rising crime linked to gang violence.

Prime Minister Holness predicted an increase in murders over the next several weeks with the onset of the holiday season, when violent crime typically spikes.

Commissioner of Police Antony Anderson, on Tuesday, said 1,360 murders were registered in Jamaica between Jan 1 and Nov. 13, an increase of 6.8% over the same period in 2021.

He said gang violence was the reason for 71% of those murders.

States of emergency give authorities increased powers, including the ability to search buildings and carry out arrests without warrants. Tuesday’s measures apply to areas that include popular tourist destinations such as Montego Bay.

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