Security Ministry Takes Collaborative Approach to Tackling Crime in Westmoreland

Minister of National Security, Senator the Hon. Dwight Nelson, yesterday (Sept. 24) assured residents of Westmoreland that actions were being taken to address crime in the parish, which has increased by 24 per cent between January and September over the similar period last year.
He said that the capital town of Savanna-la-Mar was leading the crime statistics, followed by Little London and Frome.
“I will consult with the Members of Parliament, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Commissioner of Police (to) determine what strategies we are going to put in place, particularly in these areas, to address the dramatic increase in crime and violence,” Minister Nelson told residents at the third National Consultation on Crime held in the parish.
Figures since the start of the year indicate that murders in Westmoreland have increased by 82 per cent; shootings, 10 per cent; robberies, 23 per cent; break-ins, 54 per cent; while there was a 19 per cent reduction in carnal abuse.
Minister Nelson, in acknowledging the concerns of the citizens, said that the Ministry intends to develop a collaborative effort to address the situation, noting that the input of the residents of the various communities within the parish is of great importance.
Hundreds of residents attended the consultation, which was held at the Sean Lavery Faith Hall, located on Lewis Street in Savanna-la-Mar.
Commissioner of Police, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin and Chief of Defence Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force, Major General Stewart Saunders, were also on hand to respond to the questions posed by the residents.