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...

Deputy Superintendent of Police in charge of the St. James Community Safety and Security Branch, Angela McIntosh-Gayle, says the unit is in a state of readiness for the new school year, which begins on Monday, September 5.  In an interview with JIS News, Mrs. McIntosh-Gayle said the police will be out in their numbers from as early as 6:30 a.m. to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.   Additionally, she indicated...

Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, Hon. Zavia Mayne, is warning criminals to “cease and desist” from staging attacks on members of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).   In recent weeks, there have been two reported attacks by gunmen on the Department’s vehicles, which, at the time, were transporting staff. In both instances, the officers, who...

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has been approved for the acquisition of eight new modules to the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) World, as the Agency seeks to improve its services. These include eCommerce Cargo, Integration with Postal Services, Small and Pleasure Craft Processing, Advance Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record (API/PNR) Data and Manifest Selectivity.     ASYCUDA is a...

Queen’s Counsel, Carolyn Reid-Cameron, was on Thursday (September 1), sworn in as Public Defender during a ceremony at King’s House. Mrs. Reid-Cameron, who was sworn in by Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, succeeds Attorney-at-Law, Arlene Harrison Henry, who retired in April. Mrs. Reid-Cameron who is the second woman to be appointed to the post, previously...