The security force continues to maintain a heavy presence in the parish of Clarendon, with another State of Public Emergency (SOE) being declared there.
This follows a recommendation by Prime Minister Andrew Holness to the Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen, on the advice of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).
An SOE was declared in the parish last month following the mass killing of eight people and the injuring of nine others by gunmen who shot up a party in the community of Cherry Tree Lane, in Four Paths, on Sunday, August 11.
Holness made a statement on Friday that the declaration of the SOE has resulted in the charge of two individuals connected to the incident. The incident is reportedly linked to an ongoing gang feud between rival gangs.
“The national security situation in Clarendon has reached a point where decisive and urgent action is necessary. The initial August declaration was an operational success; however, new intelligence assessments have shown that an additional response is required. We will not allow criminals to dictate the terms of life and security in the parish. With the full force of the law, the government will protect the lives of the residents of Clarendon and bring security to their communities,” the prime minister said.
Security Minister Dr Horce Chang is urging Clarendon residents to cooperate with the police to rid the parish of gangs.
“I urge every citizen to share information and fully cooperate with the security forces. Together, we will defeat the gangs and make Clarendon a safer place,” he said.
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