GOVERNMENT OF JAMAICA WILL APPEAL SUPREME COURT RULING ON SOE
The Government of Jamaica acknowledges the Supreme Court’s ruling on the use of States of Public Emergency (SOEs). In response, the Attorney General’s Chamber is undertaking a thorough review of the legal and constitutional implications of this decision in preparation for its appeal.
“As it was satisfied with the conduct of the Parliament, the Government, and the Governor General in declaring these states of emergency, the Government will now give serious consideration to this judgment as we appeal the decision.” — Attorney General of Jamaica, Dr Derrick McKoy.
We will continue to support our security forces. The people of Jamaica are experiencing a historic reduction in crime thanks to effective crime-fighting strategies, historic investment in policing infrastructure, increases in the number of police officers, implementation of enhanced intelligence operations and SOEs. Jamaica recorded 132 fewer murders in the first quarter of 2025, representing the third straight quarterly decline since the second quarter of 2024. Additionally, incidents of shootings, rapes, robberies, and break-ins have all declined consistently over the past six quarters, beginning in the third quarter of 2023.
The implementation of States of Public Emergency resulted in the reduction of murders and saved lives. The Government and the people of Jamaica continue to view the level of murders in Jamaica, which at times would have been 3 times as high as the regional average, as a national emergency.
The Government remains committed to the fight against crime and maintaining public safety while respecting the rule of law.