The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) welcomed 199 new soldiers to its ranks at a ‘passing out’ parade at the Moneague Training Camp in St. Ann on June 4,  with Minister of National Security, Hon. Robert Montague reminding them of their duty to give their best in service to the country and their fellow citizens. The recruits, who make up Intake...

Jamaica improved in three key areas of well-being under the Vision 2030 National Development Plan, during the January to March 2016 quarter. Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) Deputy Director General, Richard Lumsden, says the areas include security, labour force quality, and environmental stewardship, which recorded notable outcomes, compared to the corresponding period in 2015. He was speaking at the PIOJ’s...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government will be taking “bold and decisive” measures to significantly reduce crime and violence in the country, particularly against the most vulnerable. Among the measures to be implemented is a special process within the court system for the prosecution and trial of murders, which will serve to expedite the cases. Making...

The Government is moving to tackle the problem of domestic violence through the implementation of a Domestic Violence Coordinator programme. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, in his 2016/17 Budget Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on May 24, said a Domestic Violence Coordinator from within the ranks of the police force will be installed at all police...

Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jnr., has reiterated the Government’s commitment to improving the rehabilitation programmes and the physical infrastructure of the island’s correctional facilities. The objective, he said, is to reduce repeat offending, improve the facilities for inmates, and the working conditions of employees. “Our purpose is to protect the...

Minister of National Security, Hon. Robert Montague, says the Government is committed to working with regional and international partners in fighting transnational crime and protecting citizens. He said Jamaica and other island states have shorelines which are difficult to monitor and secure, thus making them vulnerable to sophisticated and resourced criminal organsations, which breach countries’ borders with illegal weapons, drugs...

Minister of National Security, Hon. Robert Montague, is calling on police personnel to observe the established rules and regulations, noting that indiscipline has no place in the force. Addressing the recent Jamaica Police Federation Conference in St. James, Mr. Montague said indiscipline on the part of the police is counterproductive and undermines the principles on which the Jamaica Constabulary Force...