The Jamaica Customs Agency’s (JCA) efforts to combat illicit trade in the country’s marine space, have been significantly boosted with the acquisition of a new purpose-built maritime patrol vessel. The craft, an Eduardono 320 patrol boat named ‘Enforcer I’, which is equipped with navigation, communication and safety apparatus, is 37 feet long with two 300 horsepower engines, enabling it to...

To ensure public safety and smooth traffic movement, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has increased its presence in several town centres across the island. Head of the JCF’s Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Gary McKenzie, said with the reopening of schools, more persons are traversing the roadways, and the number of law enforcement...

Police Commissioner, Major General Antony Anderson, says promulgation of the new Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act is highly anticipated by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The Act was recently passed in the House of Representatives and is on its way to the Senate. It outlines objectives relating to establishing a framework that prohibits illicit trading in firearms and ammunition...

The Ministry of National Security is reporting significant progress in the construction of the $547 million state-of-the-art Government autopsy suite on Orange Street in downtown Kingston. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Courtney Williams, said more than $133 million has, so far, been spent on the Forensic Pathology Autopsy Suite, the operations of which will be overseen by the Institute of...

The Government remains committed to modernising Jamaica’s law enforcement and criminal justice systems, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang. This, he says, is evidenced by the Government’s investment in the country’s national security apparatus, inclusive of increasing police mobility, training, and forensic technology. Approximately $1.5 billion is earmarked to construct and upgrade...

The House of Representatives on Wednesday (September 7), passed the new Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act. The Bill establishes a dual regime, distinguishing between prohibited weapons or unregulated firearms and activities connected thereto, and firearms that are duly authorised or registered. Closing the debate, Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, said the legislation will be kept under...

A gun amnesty will be declared as soon as the new Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act is entered into force, says Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang. This amnesty will allow persons who may be in possession of illegal firearms the opportunity to surrender these weapons to the State, without the fear of prosecution. Dr. Chang made...