Senator Nelson Promises Anti-Crime Strategy Focusing on Youth

Minister of National Security, Senator Dwight Nelson, has stated that the Ministry will continue to work assiduously to tackle crime prevention and community safety in Jamaica.
“We are working on a set of objectives to guide community safety and social interventions, aimed at reducing and preventing crime and violence, with a particular focus on our youths,” Senator Nelson said.
He added that his Ministry was devising strategies that will engage community members, and other stakeholders, and that, in so doing, the Government plans to empower communities to develop and implement community-based solutions that contribute to reduction in crime.
He noted that work was in its final stage for the implementation of the strategy.
The Minister was speaking at the official launch of the Bel-Air Neighbourhood Watch on Sunday (February 21). The function was held at the Runaway Bay Seventh-Day Adventist Church, St. Ann.
“We are planning to put in place programmes to empower our youths, to help them to lead meaningful lives in society,” he said.
Focusing on gang related activities and the Anti-gang legislation, as part of the government’s effort to curtail crime in the country, Senator Nelson said that the law would not spare anyone who uses gangs, as a power base, to terrorise people.
“We have no intention of putting up with this, and we are soliciting your help in ensuring that this is dealt with and dealt with effectively,” he stated.
He commended the residents for initiating security activities through the establishment of the Bel-Air Neighbourhood Watch, pointing out that there were real benefits in belonging to a Neighbourhood Watch group.
“I urge each of you to play your part in making this neighbourhood watch alive and vibrant. We must always remember that we are, each of us, our brother’s keeper,” he concluded.