Following Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ announcement this week that the entertainment sector will commence a phased re-opening effective July 1, the Government has indicated that preparations are under way by members of the security forces to facilitate this while ensuring adherence to the required protocols.

The matter was reportedly high on the agenda at Thursday’s monthly meeting of the National Security Council (NSC), chaired by the prime minister.

In a statement today (June 25), the Office of the Prime Minister said Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson updated the NSC on measures that are being put in place in anticipation of the re-opening of the sector.

“The Council discussed the need for strict adherence to the COVID-19 protocols by the entertainment sector and indicated that there should be strict management in place,” the OPM statement read.

“The Council also discussed the desirability of having zoned entertainment venues in stipulated areas where events can take place.”

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) reported to the Council on their continued partnership in crime fighting nationally with the NSC taking note of Thursday’s incident where two members of the JDF were reportedly shot and injured, with one in critical condition. They were reportedly shot in a joint police-military operation in Homestead, St Catherine.

Anderson reported early success in relation to the new Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO) in Norwood, St James, outlining that the police have already arrested and charged eight persons for various offences and recovered three illegal firearms in Norwood since the ZOSO was announced on the weekend. He indicated that the JCF was working assiduously with the JDF to dismantle the six major gangs operating in that area.

Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Rocky Meade, said the JDF was prepared for the active hurricane season with the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) on standby to assist in the event of a disaster.

During its meeting, the NSC also noted that investments continue to be made in Jamaica’s cyber security apparatus as the Major Organized Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) continues to build out and increase its cyber fighting capabilities to deal with the cyber threats and realities of today. The JCF also continues to build out its technological capabilities.