The Government will tomorrow (Tuesday May 1, 2018) move a resolution for the extension of the State of Emergency (SOE) in the parish of St. James.

The Government takes note of the Opposition’s position of not supporting the extension of the St. James SOE beyond the current request to be brought to Parliament.

The Government views the declaration by the Opposition as an indication to criminals that there is no consensus on the fight against crime and that the State of Emergency will end shortly.

The declaration signals that the lack of political unity will bring the SOE to an end rather than a consideration of outcomes and results.

The SOEs have been yielding significant results in reducing crime.

It has created space in which law enforcement is actively degrading criminal gangs and disrupting criminal networks.

The fight against crime requires a concerted and unified national effort. To build this unity, the Government has taken various steps to inform, consult and involve the Opposition in critical initiatives for crime fighting.