'Too much at stake'

THE GOVERNMENT has avoided the option of imposing a new state of public emergency, opting instead for the roll-out of a comprehensive crime-management plan.

The commissioner of police and the chief of defence staff will today outline aspects of the plan as they adjust to operating without extraordinary powers.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding, in an address to the nation last night, said the parliamentary Opposition's reluctance to support the extension of the current emergency regime, which ends at midnight tonight, was a blow to the security forces. But he vowed that they would not be deterred in the bid to crush violent crime.

"The non-extension of the state of emergency is a setback, but the battle can be won, must be won and will be won," Golding said.

The prime minister did not receive the support of the House of Representatives on Tuesday to secure an extension to the state of emergency, which has been in effect since May 23 when the security forces moved into Tivoli Gardens to capture reputed crime boss Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.

Not end of the road

Despite not securing the option, Golding has the opportunity of seeking the imposition of a new emergency regime. The prime minister said the failure of his administration to secure a 30-day extension, until August 21, would not be the end of the road.

"We must continue the battle. We cannot allow the gains that have been made over the past two months to be lost. Too much is at stake. There is a sense of relief and growing confidence that many people throughout Jamaica have felt in recent times. No matter what obstacles are placed in our way, we cannot return to a situation where people were constantly fearful and frightened," Golding said.

Criminals on the run

The prime minister told the nation that the state of emergency has achieved a critical goal: "The criminal elements have been shaken and they are on the run."

The emergency regulations empowered the security forces to sweep through communities in St Catherine and the Corporate Area and detain persons, without warrant or charge, for up to 30 days.

A total of 4,181 persons were detained, under the emergency act, from May 24-July 14. Three thousand, four hundred and eighty-five persons were processed and released. Golding said the police and army needed more time to lay their hands on criminals.

"Many of the vicious gunmen who will take your life without batting an eye are in hiding; they are not yet behind bars. Most of the guns have been hidden; they have not yet been taken away," Golding said.

The Opposition on Tuesday said the Government should not be allowed to use emergency powers as a substitute for a crime plan. However, Golding shot back last night, arguing that he had no such intention.

"Emergency powers must never become a permanent or even medium-term tool for fighting crime.

"But, given the level of crime in Jamaica and the brazen and organised nature of that crime, it was considered necessary in the short term in order to break the back of this monster, rid the streets of the main perpetrators and create the conditions where normal policing can be effective," Golding said.

He added: "In going forward, the police and the military will need to rely even more heavily on the support and cooperation of the public in providing information on where the criminals are hiding, where the guns are hidden."

The prime minister said the Government has secured the "cooperation of the courts and the DPP (director of public prosecutions) in fast-tracking the trial of cases involving serious crimes and high-profile offenders".

'... The battle can be won, must be won and will be won.'