Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer
Phillips: I intend to pay special attention to this parish, so as to revive its socio-economic prospect, to enable every resident to benefit from its resources. - FILE
PORT ANTONIO, Portland:
IN A confident mood, Minister of National Security Dr. Peter Phillips, outlined new mechanisms to be used to combat crime - while pledging to undertake remedial work in Portland, when elected party leader and Prime Minister.
Minister Phillips, who toured Portland on the weekend, spoke about the initiatives which will be geared at crippling the illegal drug trade plaguing Jamaica and also the country's high murder rate - compounded by recent flare-ups of violence in volatile communities.
"Operation Kingfish has created a major dent in the illegal trafficking of narcotics," said Minister Phillips. "However, more needs to be done so that illegal activities, as it relates to drugs, guns and murder, can be eradicated."
COCAINE TRADE HARD-HIT
Dr. Phillips said that pressure is being kept on the cocaine trade and that the results have been overwhelming, since efforts to stem the trade was beefed up. He pointed out that Jamaica is the only country in the region which has managed to reduce the extent of cocaine coming into the island.
"We have been able to do that by virtue of the arrests which have been made of people who are involved in the trade. We have started a process through Operation Kingfish, aimed at dismantling major criminal gangs - actively involved in the trade," Dr. Phillips added.
COPS ON THE BRINK OF MODERNISATION
But, while great strides have been made in the fight against cocaine, Dr. Phillips pointed out that the police force is on the brink of modernisation, with the soon-to-be acquisition of modern state-of-the-art computers and other policing equipment to adequately fight crime. He said that automated fingerprint identification system, ballistic identification system (which is already purchased), close circuit television and other intelligence and surveillance equipment, are to be used by the police force in launching an all out attack to stamp out criminal elements, putting a halt to all the operations very soon.
"We have (received) some expertise from overseas which will enhance our investigative capacity. We are going to expand the size of the force and will revamp the whole training effort within the force."
Dr. Phillips noted that if elected Prime Minister, special attention will be given to Portland in reviving the agriculture sector and enhancing the re-developmental aspect of tourism in the parish.
"Portland is plagued by terrible road condition which have severely hampered the success of tourism and agriculture. I intend to pay special attention to this parish, so as to revive its socio-economic prospect, to enable every resident to benefit from its resources," promised Dr. Phillips.
