Prime Minister Andrew Holness today announced the establishment of a zone of special operations (ZOSO) in the community of Norwood, St James.

Addressing an emergency press conference this morning (June 20), the orime minister said the ZOSO had become necessary for the community which has been enduring “increased gang-related violence and criminal activities”.

“Since the beginning of the year, 15 murders and 14 shootings have occurred (in Norwood). Since 2019, within that community, there have been 66 murders recorded.  But more disturbingly, there are six gangs known to be operating within that very small space and those gangs, although they are based in that area, they operate all over St James,” Holness told journalists and the nation during the briefing which was held virtually and aired on television and social media.

There is already a ZOSO in effect in the Mt Salem Police Division, also in St James, as well as in Denham Town, West Kingston. There are ZOSOs in Greenwich Town and August Town in St Andrew.

A ZOSO is declared under the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Act. It seeks to contain crime while safeguarding the human rights of residents and promoting community development through social intervention initiatives.