Bruce warns kidnappers

WITH THREE kidnappings taking place in the space of seven days recently, Prime Minister Bruce Golding has sent a strong warning to criminals not to attempt the introduction of that sort of crime to the country.

"We are going to bring the weight of the law and the full force of the security forces to ensure that this does not become a new scourge and a new burden that is placed upon the people of Jamaica," Golding said.

He was speaking at the Jamaica Labour Party's West Portland constituency conference in the eastern parish last night.

The prime minister said he would discuss the issue with heads of the security forces at a meeting today.

"I want to ensure that what has happened over the last seven days is not a pattern that is going to develop," he said.

"If there is any reason that it is something that is being tried in Jamaica, then it is important that the security forces act on it quickly," the prime minister added.

Golding has also signalled that despite the success in reducing the number of murders being committted, his administration is uncomfortabe with current levels.

He said between January 1 and last Sunday, 368 fewer people had been murdered this year compared with the corresponding figures last year.

"We are proud of that, but we not yet done. We have to bring it down more," he said.