Prime Minister Andrew Holness Vows Tough Stance on Gang Violence Amid Recent Attacks

Kingston, Jamaica – Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has launched a powerful new offensive against gang violence, promising that the full force of the law will be used to combat criminal enterprises responsible for recent acts of terror. This declaration comes in the wake of a brutal attack in Clarendon, which has heightened the national discourse on crime and security.

In a series of recent statements on social media, Holness emphasized the government’s commitment to dismantling gangs and holding those involved accountable. “We are launching an all-out assault on gangs. Every gang member and every gang will feel the full force of the law,” Holness declared in a tweet on August 12, 2024. This aggressive stance is part of a broader strategy to address the persistent issue of gang violence that has plagued various Jamaican communities.

The Prime Minister’s remarks come as part of a response to the recent violent incident in Clarendon, which he described as an act of terror. “I want to assure the nation that we will send a clear and decisive message to all violent gangs, including those responsible for the recent attack in Clarendon, that business will not continue as usual,” Holness asserted. He underscored the government’s determination to enforce the law against criminals, regardless of their location, and emphasized the need for unity across all sectors of society.

The Government of Jamaica has intensified the war on gangs. pic.twitter.com/SGvLyPh8LI

— Jamaica Labour Party (@jlpjamaica) August 13, 2024

Holness also addressed the political and public resistance encountered while attempting to implement enhanced security measures such as States of Emergency (SOEs). He acknowledged the challenges but remained steadfast in his commitment to pursuing legislative changes aimed at strengthening Jamaica’s fight against crime. “We have faced some challenges and political resistance as we work on changing the laws to better fight crime,” he said.

Recent updates from Holness highlight significant progress in reducing the number of active gangs in Jamaica, from nearly 380 to about 185 over the past two years. Despite these efforts, he noted that some gangs continue to pose a threat, demonstrating their capacity to organize and instigate violence. “The truth is that as a society we have been too tolerant of gangs,” Holness remarked. “Communities have often supported and protected them, but it’s time to draw the line.”

Holness called for a unified national effort to address the gang crisis, emphasizing that now is the time for solidarity rather than division. He reassured the public that the police are fully mobilized, both for strategic operations and for supporting victims of gang-related violence. “Let us stand together to overcome this tragedy and bring the perpetrators of this act of terror to justice,” he urged.

As Jamaica grapples with the implications of these developments, the government’s aggressive approach to combating gang violence is set to be a central theme in ongoing discussions about the country’s security strategy. Holness’s firm stance reflects a broader effort to restore order and safety in Jamaican communities affected by gang-related violence.

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