Despite the backlash over the continued use of the States of Public Emergency (SOPE), Prime Minister Andrew Holness called for an extension for the new year.

 Following a series of deliberations, a conclusion was made for the extension, with 44 government members supporting the move. Recently, the SOPE was extended across seven parishes for 14 days. The house of representatives approved the extension of the SOPE, during a lengthy sitting of parliament on Tuesday.

The conclusion came after Prime Minister Andrew Holness extended support for the extension of the SOPE beyond November 28 to opposition leader Mark Golding. While urging members of the opposition to consider the extension he disclosed it will continue into 2023. Meanwhile, opposition leader Mark Golding questions the role of the SOPE dubbing the extension as an animated act. He says crime is likened to a public health issue and should not be treated as unconstitutional. The resolution will now move to the senate, where at least one opposition senator will be required to vote in support of its extension, to secure a two-thirds majority.

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