Prime Minister Holness Warns Gunmen: “Put Down the Gun, Find Something Else to Do”
Prime Minister Andrew Holness issued a stern warning to young men involved in criminal activity to turn away from violence and crime and become productive, law-abiding citizens.
Speaking on Friday (June 13) at the groundbreaking and contract signing ceremony for the Village of Tower Hill Development in West Central St. Andrew, Prime Minister Holness said the government remains resolute in its mission to dismantle all gangs and hold perpetrators accountable.
“Let me be clear. The government will eliminate and eradicate every single gang in Jamaica. Every contract killer, we will find you. Everyone importing guns, we will find you… Let it not be said that the government did not give a fair warning. Anyone contemplating these murders now or contemplating these kinds of crimes, we will find you,” he said.
Issuing a direct appeal to young men drawn to the gang lifestyle, Prime Minister Holness said:
“Put down the gun. Let me say it again to all the dons who believe they are above the law: find something else to do. Go into some business and come out of crime now. The people are getting a taste of what peace feels like. You are no longer a hero. You are a criminal.”
Jamaica is currently experiencing the most sustained decline in murders in its modern history, with a year-to-date reduction of 44.3% compared to last year. This is the third consecutive year of decline. Prime Minister Holness attributed this progress to targeted investments in national security and improved technology.
“Since 2016, we have spent over $90 billion on crime fighting. We have opened a new forensic suite that will increase the capability of the security forces to find evidence of crime. If you think you can commit a crime and go into hiding, think again. We now have the technology to find you and identify you.”
Dr. Holness urged community members to remain vigilant and not accommodate individuals seeking to reintroduce criminal activity.
“All of the strange-faced boys you see coming around here, tell them to go back to where they come from. They are not welcome here. Some come with a peaceful face, but they’re inviting others to do their deeds. Those days are gone.”
In the meantime, Prime Minister Holness reflected on the transformation of the Tower Hill community from a zone of gang conflict to a thriving community and urged residents to never forget the trauma of the past and to safeguard the peace that now defines their community.
“Every time I speak in Tower Hill, I have to remind the community of where you are coming from. When I came here first, there was a massive gang war. Before six o’clock, Tower Avenue and Olympic Way were empty. Nobody could come out,” said the Prime Minister.
Dr. Holness spoke of his long-standing engagement with the community’s youth, noting that some took his advice and left the gang life behind. He reminded residents of the importance of appreciating the value of peace over violence.
“I want you to appreciate the difference between living in peace and living in war. And it is up to you to make sure that violence and gangs don’t come back into your community.
The Prime Minister underscored that development initiatives like the Village of Tower Hill are only possible because of sustained peace. He called on the youth to protect the peace and resist the pull of violence.