THE MINISTRY of National Security would require another $2 billion per year for at least five years to put in place the necessary infrastructure to boost the security forces' crime-fighting capability, says Dr. Peter Phillips, the Minister.
He made the announcement while giving an update on crime fighting initiatives and planned legislation at yesterday's opening of an International Conference on Violence Prevention at the Jamaica Conference Centre, Duke Street, downtown Kingston.
But the plans could be implemented only in phases as he noted that the country's economic circumstances made it unlikely that the $2 billion would be made available from the national budget.
"Law enforcement is expensive. We now spend about $8 billion a year for the police force plus another $4 billion for the Ministry of National Security including the Jamaica Defence Force (and) the Department of Corrections," he said.
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS
Dr. Phillips said Jamaica was doing its part and had collaborated with its international partners such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and other countries to stop the flow of guns to Jamaica. The Government is working with CARICOM partners to share information and develop strategies to respond to the "drug menace which affects us all," he said.
The conference is organised by the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO). Officials are meeting to look at violence from public health and other perspectives and to seek ways to increase support for strengthening prevention strategies.
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Mirta Roses-Periago, PAHO's Director, asked for a commitment from policymakers for programmes and strategies to prevent violence.
"To reduce violence, we must all work together as a team. The health sector is affected because we have to take care of the injured, but everyone is affected by violence and everyone has to team up to stop it," she said. "As you look at the enormous scope of the problem of violence, I hope you will join us in a determined effort to rid the Caribbean, and the Americas of the scourge of violence."
The conference ends today.
