Patterson PRIME MINISTER P.J. Patterson announced last night that Government will 'immediately' acquire six marine vessels and more than 100 other vehicles as part of its latest effort to address a spiralling crime wave which has terrified the country.
In a televised address Mr. Patterson appealed to the nation to support all police initiatives to bring criminals to justice.
"We cannot give in to their (criminals) campaign to derail our national development," the Prime Minister said.
The six marine vessels are expected to assist the Marine Police in their attempts to "stem the flow of guns across our borders." At the same time, the Prime Minister said, the Government will be purchasing 150 four-wheel-drive vehicles suitable for rough terrain. Those vehicles, in addition to about 70 new vehicles, already in the island or on the way, are expected to improve the mobility of the police.
"The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) will also have a decisive role in our border control efforts and, before the end of this month, a coast guard station will be established at Black River (St. Elizabeth)," Mr. Patterson said. He noted that work was also under way in Montego Bay, St. James, on a similar facility to be completed by the end of the year.
The Prime Minister also pointed to this month's anticipated return of a team from the London Metropolitan Police to continue discussions with Dr. Peter Phillips, the Minister of National Security. Dr. Phillips will be attempting to secure additional assistance and involvement in police investigations from the London Police.
The country has been reeling from an escalating murder rate which, with nearly four months remaining in the year, has already surpassed the 920 mark.
Yesterday, Mr. Patterson reiterated comments made previously by Dr. Peter Phillips. He explained that, as a result of recent successes achieved by the security forces against 'the big boys' in the cocaine trade, gangs have been intensifying their struggle for control of both the extortion racket and turf.
NO REST
"So even as we record some successes in the war against drugs, there is no rest as we have to intensify our efforts even further in order to dismantle the criminal gangs," Mr. Patterson said.
In a quick response last night, Winston Dear, the president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, welcomed the Prime Minister's announcements.
"We have been saying for a long time that our drug-smuggling problem is not happening by chance but because our coastline is not being properly patrolled, giving the drug dealers the freedom to move in and out at will," Mr. Dear said, commenting on the planned coast guard station for Montego Bay. "Once our borders are being properly patrolled, the drug dealers will no longer have the freedom to do as they please and I am sure that before long this will have a positive impact on our bid to bring our crime situation under control."
Prime Minister Patterson's Address to the Nation
CRIME
A team to return from
London-based Scotland Yard
Continued increase in police
personnel
50 new vehicles already here
20 vehicles on the way
150 four-wheel-drive vehicles to be purchased
Six marine vessels to be acquired
Coast Guard Station for Black River by month end
Coast Guard Station for Montego Bay by year end
Old Summit Hotel (Montego Bay) refurbished/police personnel to be permanently stationed there
OLYMPICS
Nucleus of a team already in place to plan a fitting tribute to Olympians
Annual Award of Excellence in Sports instituted as well as cash incentives for performance
HURRICANE CHARLEY
RADA already at work assisting farmers in affected areas
Rebuilding of flood-damaged roads began almost immediately
