Patterson, Seaga PRIME MINISTER P.J. Patterson and Opposition Leader Edward Seaga are expected to meet later this month to sign off on the recommendations of the bi-partisan committee on Crime and Violence.
The committee, aimed at developing a consensus on ways to fight crime, was set up last August and co-chaired by Opposition spokesman on National Security, Derrick Smith and former Security Minister K.D. Knight.
The Prime Minister's announcement was made against the background of an outbreak of gun violence and murder of eight people over two days in the communities of Parke and 100 Lanes off Red Hills road on Wednesday.
The Constabulary Com-munications Network (CCN), reported that two men have since been held in connection with the 100 Lane incident, but their identities are being withheld pending an identification parade.
The committee whose recommendations on crime management will be the subject of this month's meeting was formed following talks between the two political leaders, after an upsurge of violence in sections of the Corporate Area last year linked to rival political gangs.
The leaders had also agreed to review the role of the Political Ombudsman, to make the office more effective, as well as revise the code of political conduct which was first agreed prior to the 1989 general election.
It was agreed also that Mr. Seaga and Finance Minister Dr. Omar Davies would examine plans aimed at the economic and social developments in western sections of the city.
In December Prime Minister Patterson wrote to Mr. Seaga proposing that the meeting be set for January this year in an effort to agree on those matters that require their concurrence.
Aides for both leaders said they were studying the reports. Mr. Patterson got his copy last week and Mr. Seaga yesterday, their respective offices reported.
The meeting is to include members of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) and is also expected to consider a report relating to the appointment of a Political Ombudsman and a Code of Political Conduct.
