The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is being urged by private sector groups, to throw its support behind the extension of the States of Public Emergency (SOPE).

The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) and civil society groups, in acknowledging the state of the country’s crime problem, “the SOPE, is the best way forward at this time and is urging the opposition to support its extension.”

Great attention will be placed on the upper house on Friday, as the resolution to extend the states of public emergency will be debated. On Tuesday, it was passed in the lower house, with 44 government members voting for its extension and three parliamentary opposition against.

While the Opposition has declared its unwillingness to support the extension, it has received the blessings of the PSOJ and Civil Society. PSOJ President Keith Duncan, says Jamaicans are living in a state of fear and anxiety and considers the crime situation as a chronic crisis. Watch the report below:

Reporter: Nicola Brown

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