Nelson disappointed

NATIONAL SECURITY Minister Dwight Nelson last night said the parliamentary Opposition missed an opportunity to demonstrate to Jamaica that it was taking a non-partisan approach to crime fighting.

"I share the sense of disappointment, like most Jamaicans, that the Opposition did not approach the matter in the best way," Nelson told The Gleaner.

Government failed to secure an extension to the state of public emergency yesterday after it failed to secure the minimum 31 votes in the 60-member House of Representatives to guarantee a 30-day extension.

"They missed a glorious opportunity to demonstrate to Jamaica their solidity with the Government to fight against this crime monster. They missed the opportunity not to look partisan in their approach," the national security minister said.

Meanwhile, Nelson has not confirmed whether the Government will seek to have a state of emergency enforced in Clarendon. Prime Minister Bruce Golding told Parliament that the security forces have made a recommendation for same based on intelligence available to them.

Parliamentary approval is not required for the implementation of state of emergency measures, only its continuation.

Last night, Nelson said the security forces are "going to go into Clarendon and they will be pursuing the criminals there to the end".