Byron McDaniel, Geaner WriterWALDERSTON, Manchester:
TO COMBAT escalating levels situation, it was decided at a Cabinet retreat last Tuesday, to give priority to the needs of the security forces.
Minister of Security, Dr. Peter Phillips, said that in keeping with the government's anti-crime initiative, Cabinet has agreed to take steps to enhance the capabilities of the police. He was speaking at the reopening of the newly refurbished Kendal Police Station in Manchester on Thursday last week.
Dr. Phillips said by this week, 150 new motorcycles will be commissioned into the force and before the end of March, 150 four-wheel drive sports utility vehicles will also be delivered.
The minister also disclosed that special attention will be given to the parishes of Kingston, St. Andrew and St. Catherine which account for 65 per cent of the island's crime. Specialised units like Operation Kingfish will be employed in these areas he said.
The Kendal station, which was extensively damaged during Hurricane Ivan last year, was repaired and refurbished by Windalco Bauxite Company at a cost of $864,000.
