Mark Titus, Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

With the Ministry of Health reporting that it spent over $738 million on direct hospital services for violence-related injuries, Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas says the force is committed to the programmes that reduce interpersonal violence.

"The picture is clear, the entire country must be galvanised into action, whether by shock or excitement," he stated.

"Jamaicans must be aroused to get involved in the promotion of peaceful discourse among citizens, as well as more cautious use of the road."

He was addressing Tuesday's opening ceremony for the Jamaica Association of Public Health Inspectors 60th annual conference at Holiday Inn, Montego Bay, St. James.

The conference, which ends today, is being held under the theme 'Violence - An Emerging Public Health Problem'.

Commissioner Thomas stated that Digicel Jamaica has committed to spearhead the resuscitation of the Neighbourhood Watch movement, as the force moves to widen its community policing initiative.

Neighbourhood watches

According to him, there are 613 neighbourhood watches islandwide and, although some are dormant, plans are in place to rejuvenate and increase the programme.

"We are going to be having a meeting with Digicel after which they will make the official announcement. It is a move towards the rejuvenation of the neighbourhood watches," said Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, Leon Rose, in charge of the Community Relations Branch.

"There is an interim national secretariat presently, but plans are in place for the secretariat to be housed at the community relations headquarters."

'The picture is clear, the entire country must be galvanised into action, whether by shock or excitement.' - Thomas