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PM Holness Announces State of Public Emergency in the Western Parishes of St. James, Hanover and Westmoreland

Posted on by OPM Communications
PM Holness Announces State of Public Emergency in the Western Parishes of St. James, Hanover and Westmoreland
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (centre), announces the States of Public Emergency (SOEs) for the parishes of St. James, Hanover and Westmoreland during a press conference on Tuesday (April 30), at the Office of the Prime Minister. With the Prime Minister (from left) are Commissioner of Police, Major General Antony Anderson; Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang; Attorney General, Marlene Malahoo Forte; and Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Rocky Meade.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness today (April 30) announced the declaration of a State of Public Emergency comprising all areas of the western parishes of St James, Hanover and Westmoreland effective immediately.

The announcement was made during an emergency press conference at Jamaica House.

The Prime Minister said: “After careful consideration and review of the crime statistics in particular violent crimes which have been committed in some western parishes, the security forces have advised that the situation now currently exists would warrant the Government advising the Governor-General to declare, proclaim a State of Public Emergency”.

The  State of Public Emergency will remain in effect for fourteen days after which the Parliament may vote to extend the security measure.