Gov't, opposition to hold further crime talks

The Government and the Opposition have agreed to look at ways tackle crime in the post state of public emergency era.

The security measure ended on January 2 in St Catherine North, in sections of the Corporate Area yesterday and will end on January 31 in St James.

Both sides have been at odds about the continuation of the special emergency operations and met last night to discuss issues related to national security and crime management 

Full joint statement 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Opposition Leader Dr Peter Phillips and their respective teams met late into last night to discuss issues of national security and crime management and the desire to have a national consensus on these issues.
 
Although each side had differing views on the constitutionality of extending the States of Public Emergency, both teams engaged in a full, frank and wide-ranging discussion and explored issues, including human rights, possible legislative amendments that could enhance crime management capabilities of the security forces and additional resources: financial, technical and human to improve the capacity of the security forces.
 
It was agreed that the respective legal teams would meet to discuss and agree, where possible, on the crime control powers to be utilised in the existing legislative framework or new legislation.
 
Both the Government and Opposition agreed to continue discussions on points of agreement while they seek wider consensus in the interest of Jamaica’s national security. 
 
It was agreed that there will be further meetings beginning with a meeting with other stakeholders, including the private sector, the churches, human rights and civil society groups will be convened on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, to advance national consensus.

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