Omar Anderson, Gleaner Writer
PATTERSON
A NEW community employment youth programme and increased police presence in troubled areas, form the Government's latest response to the recent upsurge in crime and violence that the prime minister has called "unforgivable levels of evil".
More than 1,327 Jamaicans have been murdered since January.
Deploring the recent killing of "innocent women and children", Prime Minister P.J. Patterson last night announced yet another crime-fighting measure which he said National Security Minister Dr. Peter Phillips and his advisers have developed.
Mr. Patterson, in a broadcast to the nation, assured that there would be increased and more effective policing in targeted areas.
In recent weeks, there have been uprisings in Arnett Gardens in South St. Andrew and Mountain View Avenue in East Kingston. The old capital, Spanish Town, also remains a hotbed of crime.
The prime minister also announced the immediate implementation of community programmes to provide employment especially for youths. He however failed to elaborate on the cost of the programme and which communities will first begin to reap the benefits of the new initiative.
"These (programmes) will be funded through Lift Up Jamaica and the Community Security Initiative," Mr. Patterson said, adding that the CSI will also include counselling and conflict resolution in selected communities.
Nearly two weeks ago, the nation was shocked when gunmen torched a home on Barnes Avenue in Kingston 13, killing its four occupants, including a 10 year-old girl and her grandparents.
Meanwhile, Mr. Patterson has taken note of recent statements by Opposition Leader Bruce Golding regarding the death penalty.
HANGING QUESTION
On a recent trip to England, Mr. Golding said the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) would resume hanging if it forms the next government.
But the prime minister stated last night that experience has shown that hanging can only be ensured if there were constitutional amendment to nullify the effect of, at least one and possibly more, decisions of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
"Such amendments, however, require the support of the Opposition in Parliament," Mr. Patterson said.
He pointed to a series of meetings now underway between a Government team led by Attorney-General and Justice Minister A.J. Nicholson, and Delroy Chuck, Opposition spokesman on justice.
"In light of Mr. Golding's statement, I would hope that there is the possibility of our now arriving at a bi-partisan agreement in relation to those amendments that affect capital punishment," the prime minister said.
