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Early Success from State Of Emergency

By: , January 21, 2018

The Key Point:

Colonel General Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Colonel Daniel Pryce, says there are encouraging results from the Public State of Emergency in  St. James, which was declared by Prime Minister , the Most. Hon. Andrew Holness on Thursday, January 18. He called for community support in providing intelligence, noting that the JDF will be putting out bulletins and social media products about the gang members, criminals, lotto scammers and other wanted men “so that they can no longer feel that St. James is a safe haven.”
Early Success from State Of Emergency
Photo: Colonel General Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force JDF), Colonel Daniel Pryce right), gives an update on security operations under the Public State of Emergency in St. James at a press conference at at Burke Barracks in Montego Bay on Saturday Jan. 20). At left is Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, the Jamaica Regiment 2JR), Lieutenant Colonel Godphey Sterling.
Colonel General Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Colonel Daniel Pryce (right), gives an update on security operations under the Public State of Emergency in St. James at a press conference at at Burke Barracks in Montego Bay on Saturday (Jan. 20). At left is Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, the Jamaica Regiment (2JR), Lieutenant Colonel Godphey Sterling.

The Facts

  • At a media briefing on Saturday morning (January 20) at Burke Barracks in Montego Bay, Colonel Pryce said within the first 24 hours of operations, one Kalashnikov rifle and six live rounds were seized in Flanker. The high-powered weapon, he said, is suspected to have been used in a recent killing in the parish and will undergo ballistic and forensic testing to determine its history.
  • “Our operations are only as good as the intelligence that drives them.  We urge persons to use the JDF tip hotline, 837-8888 to call and tell us what you know about criminal activities in your communities,” he added.

The Full Story

Colonel General Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Colonel Daniel Pryce, says there are encouraging results from the Public State of Emergency in  St. James, which was declared by Prime Minister , the Most. Hon. Andrew Holness on Thursday, January 18.

At a media briefing on Saturday morning (January 20) at Burke Barracks in Montego Bay, Colonel Pryce said within the first 24 hours of operations, one Kalashnikov rifle and six live rounds were seized in Flanker.

The high-powered weapon, he said, is suspected to have been used in a recent killing in the parish and will undergo ballistic and forensic testing to determine its history.

He further informed that eight members of the Sparta gang, who were wanted for murder and other gun-related crimes, were arrested in Flanker.

He added that on Friday (Jan. 19), 15 persons were arrested in connection with the illegal purchase and sale of petrol in Freeport.

“Over 5000 litres of diesel and petrol, which were being sold from five illegal, makeshift, petrol distribution points, were also seized in that operation,” he informed.

Colonel Pryce said the JDF will continue with targeted operations, vehicle checks, cordon and searches, patrols and snap raids to put pressure on the gangs and restore peace to St. James.

He called for community support in providing intelligence, noting that the JDF will be putting out bulletins and social media products about the gang members, criminals, lotto scammers and other wanted men “so that they can no longer feel that St. James is a safe haven.”

“Our operations are only as good as the intelligence that drives them.  We urge persons to use the JDF tip hotline, 837-8888 to call and tell us what you know about criminal activities in your communities,” he said.

 

He noted that the hotline is manned by soldiers on a 24-hour basis and offers convenience and more importantly, confidentiality.

Colonel Pryce said that while he is mindful that law-abiding citizens of St. James may have concerns about the high concentration of soldiers and police in the parish, members of the security forces are trained to be professional in executing their duties and will give due regards to human rights and the dignity of all persons.

He urged citizens to get acquainted with the regulations and requirements governing the State of Emergency in order for them “to easily and conveniently transit the area as they go about their lawful business.”

He reiterated specific guidelines for closing hours for all businesses in St. James, which he said must be observed as violators will be prosecuted.

Under the State of Public Emergency, all clubs and fast food outlets  must be closed by midnight; all service stations by 10:00 pm; bars and taverns are to be closed by 9:00 pm; cook shops and haberdasheries by 7:00 p m; and hangouts and corner shops by 6:00 pm.

Last Updated: January 22, 2018

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