Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that States of Public Emergency (SOEs) have been declared for the entire parishes of Clarendon and St Ann, as well as the Kingston Western Police Division, following a surge in criminal activities in those areas.

Holness said that on the advice of the Commissioner of Police, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen, these SOEs are for an initial period of 14 days, beginning at midnight on February 15.

He said the government’s main priority is to use all lawful and constitutional measures to protect the lives of innocent citizens.

“Organised gangs are the main source and cause of violence, leading to fear and terror in some communities. The Government must protect innocent citizens from these criminal gangs, and, therefore, must act,” Holness said.

In December last year, SOEs were reimposed in St Ann, Clarendon, St Catherine and specified areas of Kingston and St Andrew to deal with the criminal activities in these areas, which Holness described as a threat to property and in some instances, public disorder.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that States of Public Emergency (SOEs) have been declared for the entire parishes of Clarendon and St Ann, as well as the Kingston Western Police Division, following a surge in criminal activities in those areas.

Holness said that on the advice of the Commissioner of Police, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen, these SOEs are for an initial period of 14 days, beginning at midnight on February 15.

He said the government’s main priority is to use all lawful and constitutional measures to protect the lives of innocent citizens.

“Organised gangs are the main source and cause of violence, leading to fear and terror in some communities. The Government must protect innocent citizens from these criminal gangs, and, therefore, must act,” Holness said.

In December last year, SOEs were reimposed in St Ann, Clarendon, St Catherine and specified areas of Kingston and St Andrew to deal with the criminal activities in these areas, which Holness described as a threat to property and in some instances, public disorder.