News from the OPM

Cabinet Discusses Crime Situation


The Cabinet this morning (October 10) discussed the crime situation in the country and heard a presentation from the Police Commissioner on the matter.

 

The update to Cabinet comes as there were several incidents of murders at the weekend.

 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness said he is deeply saddened by the murders that took place. In particular, the incident in March Pen St. Catherine that left five people dead including three children.

 

Mr. Holness said: “A gruesome crime was committed. The killings must end. The government is now even more resolved to dismantle the gangs and bring those responsible to Justice.”

 

Speaking to bankers at an Anti Money Laundering/Country Financing of Terrorism forum this morning the Prime Minister said: “We must take the profit out of crime. Criminals must have no access to the financial system. And where they operate in the informal economy, we must find them and separate them from their illegal gains.”

 

The Prime Minister said the government continues to work with the National Security Council on a crime strategy.

 

In the meantime, Mr. Holness called on Jamaicans to tell what they know to the security forces to help rid the country of criminal elements.