Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government will enlist both the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force(JCF) to prevent extortion during the redevelopment of the Spanish Hospital in St Catherine.

Holness made the disclosure during the conference signing and groundbreaking ceremony for the redevelopment of the hospital.

While highlighting that many individuals will end up at the hospital due to violence or reckless driving, Holness also bemoaned the fact that some of these cases will be due to gang warfare, possibly over the work set to be executed at the hospital.

“It is also the sad reality that it is quite likely that some of the people who will end up here for treatment will end up here because of gang warfare, likely gang warfare over the work that will happen here because I am born in Spanish Town. I know what happens in Spanish Town. well let me tell all the gang members who are licking their lips looking on at big fat contracts to come none of that will happen here. I want to say it loud and clear, we have already started to work with the JDF and JCF. This will be a military camp if it has to be.” Holness said.

“There will be no extortion here. No illegal activity here, no controlling of site here. None of this government fund spending here will go to fund criminals. That link must be cut. Taxpayers money can’t come here and people have name on list who don’t come to work collect pay and then use it to buy gun. It cannot happen. This must not help build gangs,” Holness added as he cautioned criminals.

The prime minister said the government is perfecting the anti-gang legislation to clamp down on gang-related activities in the country.

The Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organisations) (Amendments) Act 2021, otherwise known as the Anti-Gang legislation, was passed in Parliament in 2021.

The legislation will provide additional support to the work of law enforcement in interrupting and undermining gang activities.

“We have learnt our lessons we have seen where many government projects and other private projects the criminals have sought to take it over. Don’t put your eye on this one. The Anti-Gang legislation we are perfecting it and we intend to use it, so if you get work on this project, you better turn up and work,” Holness warned.

The redevelopment of the Spanish Town Hospital is set to transform the facility into a six-storey, 100-bed facility comprising seven operating theatres, a new accident and emergency centre, and a new pharmacy and laboratory with diagnostics and other services.

The project is estimated to cost the Government some J$31 billion. The European Union has donated EUR10 million towards the project.

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