Jamaica's prime minister reimposes states of emergency amid criticism

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said Tuesday that states of emergency were being reimposed in a number of parishes in response to a wave of gang violence on the island.

The measure was reintroduced in parts of the capital, Kingston, and six of Jamaica's 14 parishes including Montego Bay, a popular tourist spot.

The state of emergency allows the authorities to arrest people and search properties without a warrant, which has provoked criticism from political opponents and rights activists who are concerned that the mass detentions and arrests will lead the authorities to commit abuses and will not result in the desired national reduction of homicides.

Holness defended the measure in a televised address, saying that Jamaicans "have to hide under their beds, hide their daughters, can't go to church, and see their sons, boyfriends and husbands killed. That is the reality."

​​“Since the end of the last state of emergency, we have seen, unfortunately, an increase in criminal activities in these areas and indeed a threat to property, and in some instances, public disorder,” he added.

Since late 2017, states of emergency have been declared numerous times across the island. But the enforcement of such measures has done little to alleviate the national homicide rate.

The island of over 2.9 million people has one of the highest murder rates in the region, reporting 1,421 killings so far this year.

States of emergency were declared for seven parishes on Nov. 15, but they lapsed after 14 days after the government failed to get support from the opposition in the Senate for their extension.

Holness said that as the Christmas season approaches, there is a need to protect life and property.