Gangs will not be allowed to disrupt development plans for Spanish Town, says PM

 

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says the government is paying close attention to the situation of gangs in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.

 

The area has been tense since the police fatal shooting of Othneil Lobban, the reputed leader of the One Order Gang.

 

Commenting on the issue, Prime Minister Holness said for decades, gangs have posed a threat to public order, citizen security, public service and commerce in Spanish Town.

 

He said the government will not allow gangs to disrupt plans for the development of the Old Capital. 

 

"The government is investing several billion dollars into critical infrastructure in Spanish Town, starting with the investment in a new wing at the Spanish Town Hospital, over $2 billion investment, and the building of a new police divisional headquarters in Spanish Town, another $2 billion, in addition to planned works in roads and water. We will not allow our development plans to be derailed or hijacked by gangs," he declared. 

 

Dr. Holness also sought to dispel the notion that gangs operate in the best interest of communities and are protectors. 

 

"The strategy of the government is to separate the gangs and criminals from the community and law abiding citizens. I take this opportunity to appeal to the law abiding citizens of Spanish Town, not to support the gangs, not to be enlisted in their activities. This is finally an opportunity for the liberation of Spanish Town and indeed other communities. 

 

"Let us use this as an opportunity to once and for all rid the community of the gangs. The police have been instructed that in their activities, in targeting the gangs, innocent citizens, law abiding citizens must be protected," he insisted. 

 

The Prime Minister also appealed for residents to support the security forces in their efforts to target gangs.