By Damion Mitchell, Staff ReporterPETER PHILLIPS, the minister of national security, is seeking a meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair in January to advance talks as part of efforts to curb Jamaica's increasing crime rate.
Dr. Phillips told The Gleaner yesterday that the meeting was not yet finalised but said the discussions would be crucial in furthering the co-operation between Jamaica and the United Kingdom.
At the same time, a government source said the national security ministry is considering a proposal for some members of the British military to integrate with the Jamaican security forces.
Dr. Phillips did not confirm this yesterday but said as part of Operation Kingfish Government's latest initiative targeting dons and gangs assistance is being received to provide additional training for Jamaican law enforcers.
Gilbert Scott, the permanent secretary in the national security ministry, said the meeting with the British Government would not be unusual as there have been ongoing consultations between Jamaica and the United Kingdom. He, however, was unable to provide further details on the meeting, saying "the programme has not been laid out yet".
'CRITICAL ELEMENT'
The national security minister spoke with The Gleaner following the launch of the national 'Safe Schools Programme' at St. George's College, central Kingston. He said the programme, which is in collaboration with the ministries of health, security and education, was "one critical element" in the general crime fighting effort.
Dr. Phillips said where students are at risk of being influenced by criminal elements, such as those involved in gangs, all efforts must be made in arresting unwanted situations. "There are some schools that are more vulnerable, where the children are either inclined to violent behaviour or are vulnerable in respect of the violent behaviour of others, those schools we are going to be focusing on," he explained.
The Ministry of Health has reported that six per cent of students aged 10-12 were involved in gang activities while the 13-15 age group accounted for 21 per cent.
