The Patriots, an affiliate of the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is calling for the resignations of Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang and Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson, amid the increase in crime and violence that has been rocking the country. 

Jouvaughnie Byfield, vice president of The Patriots, highlighted that there is an increase in the numbers of murders in comparison to the same period last year.

“In less than 24 hours, 15 persons have been shot. There are also reports that robberies are on the increase. Year-to-date, we have recorded 1,018 murders, up from 962 in the previous year, which represents a 5.8 per cent increase,” Byfield noted.

According to the Patriots vice president, despite the resources that the ministry has at its disposal, it has no clear strategies on how to tackle crime.

He continued by saying: “Crime and violence continues to rise, crime is plaguing our communities, taking away lives and livelihood and in addition to these staggering statistics, some 90 per cent of Jamaicans have little or no confidence in the leadership of Dr Chang and Major General Anderson to curtail the country’s problem of high crime and violence.” 

Byfield believes not enough is being done to address the formation of gangs across the country.

Continuing, he added: “Specifically, the lack of a proper anti-gang and social legislation has contributed to Jamaica facing one of the worst national security crises in our nation’s history. This Administration halted the Unite for Change initiative which was making a great impact on the lives of our unattached youth; we saw very positive results in some of the usually troubled hotspots as a result of communities working together. August Town is one example. That year, there were no murders in the hotspot.” 

He also argued that many Jamaicans are disappointed and disturbed by Chang’s performance in his ‘attempt’ to solve the country’s national security problems.

“Minister Chang must take accountability for his failures and do the Jamaican people a favour and resign,” he added. 

READ: Jamaica sees 2.7% increase in major crimes