New SOPEs Likely Before Year End

Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Wednesday during a virtual address to the Umbrella Group of Churches indicated the government would continue to use the emergency powers to save lives. He also says new States of Public Emergency (SOPEs) could be declared before the end of the year to prevent the materialization of various extensive threats to life and property which the security forces have identified. 

Less than a day later, and with only a few days left in 2022, the Commissioner of Police says he will be recommending new SOEs be declared in several parishes. Major Anderson explains the parishes that were least impacted by the SOEs have seen a decline in major crimes. He notes the SOEs have not been their only tool adding other crime-fighting measures that have been employed in tandem with the special measures.

The Commissioner also lauded the work of the police in the western parish, highlighting their relatively high clear-up rate. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister in a statement has expressed a willingness to form a crime consensus with the Opposition. However, he insists the nature of certain emergency crimes and murders requires immediate attention from measures to include the SOEs.

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