House Approves Additional 180-Day ZOSO Extension in Seven Communities

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday (June 11), approved a 180-day extension of the Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs) in seven communities across Jamaica.

They are Denham Town, West Kingston; Norwood and Mount Salem, St. James; Greenwich Town, Parade Gardens and August Town in St. Andrew, and Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland.

In his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, said while community intervention takes time, continuous assessment and review are being undertaken with the highest regard for due process and efficiency.

He said a framework towards social investment and transformation of these volatile communities has been designed.

“This continues to be a strategic priority to the Government, a long-term but critical pathway to a safer and more secure Jamaica for all the citizens. I must further emphasise that citizen security remains at the heart of the current initiative being implemented within the Zones of Special Operations,” Dr. Chang said.

He stated that these interventions are aimed at removing vulnerabilities and weaknesses within these volatile spaces.

Dr. Chang noted that the ultimate goal is to not solely reduce homicide rates in these zones but to renew and increase public trust in the State and public agencies, reduce victimisation, increase human capital development, especially among the youth, and create safe and peaceful environments.

“Over the past six months, we have remained focused on reducing crime and violence in the communities of Mount Salem, Denham Town, August Town, Greenwich Town, Norwood, Parade Gardens and Savanna-la-Mar, and undertaken the necessary investments to change the social conditions in these communities,” the Minister said.

He noted that the social investments combined with those in the security forces and community policing, alongside advancement in the Government’s legislative agenda will garner the desired outcomes and “bring us closer to meaningful change for greater citizen security”.

“To better position the Government to carry out our programme for social transformation, I am happy to report that since the last request for an extension in December 2023, a strategic review of the Citizen Security Plan for Jamaica was completed and the Citizen Security Business Group continues to meet on a quarterly basis to oversee this process,” Dr. Chang informed.

He added that the findings of the strategic review will not only better inform the operational plan and interventions going forward but also assist with ensuring even more robust coordination and execution under the full multisectoral programming undertaken to transform the zones.

“This Government continues to innovate [and] pursue efficiency and accountability in conducting the people’s business. We have made significant progress in these zones over the six months, and we will continue with these efforts,” Dr. Chang stated.