Government Committed to the Preservation of Human Rights
“This administration is doing what is necessary. For three years you have seen a reduction. We got seven per cent, then 19 per cent, and currently, we are at about 37 per cent year to date. So, let’s continue on this path.”
– Prime Minister Holness
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says he will never allow the security forces to abuse the human rights of Jamaican citizens.
Prime Minister Holness was delivering the keynote address yesterday (April 29) at the 70th anniversary of Jamaica Packaging Industries.
Making the connection between crime and the economy, Dr. Holness said crime was not only a threat to public safety, life and property, but it also added significantly to the cost of living and the cost of doing business.
The Prime Minister stated: “The issue of security is not just one of safety, the issue of security or rather insecurity adds a cost to the cost of living. In other words, the cost of living that you experience as a citizen, a part of that is the cost of security. So, every plant, every business operator has to add in their budget a line item which is quite significant for security.”
Dr. Holness said if the government is able to reduce security concerns, then the cost of living for everyone will reduce.
Prime Minister Holness noted that it is in the interest of every Jamaican citizen and business to support the police and keep the current momentum against gangsters and gunmen.
“This administration is doing what is necessary. For three years you have seen a reduction. We got seven per cent, then 19 per cent, and currently, we are at about 37 per cent year to date. So, let’s continue on this path. Don’t make excuses for the criminals. For too long the conversation has favoured the criminals. Now it is time to ensure that the victims get justice. But once we conquer this, once we bring our murders down, that’s one more asset that makes Jamaica a favourable destination,” said Prime Minister Holness.
In the meantime, Prime Minister Holness expressed confidence in the leadership of the JCF to execute their duties professionally, within the boundaries of the law and the Use of Force Policy, noting that several officers have been interdicted and disciplined for breaches.
Dr. Holness stated: “We have worked very hard to transform the JCF, and you may see the outward transformation in its uniform, in its equipment, but you should also notice that there has been an amazing transformation in the leadership and doctrine of the JCF, and I am satisfied that the men and women who are leading the JCF appreciate the importance of maintaining a high standard in protecting human rights. In as much as the police would have improved in their kinetic operations and in their tactics in terms of how they engage criminals who confront them, the JCF has also internally taken action against policemen and women who have acted outside the use of force policy.”