Prime Minister blasts critics of the police force

 

 

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has blasted critics of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), while expressing his unwavering support for the police.

 

He has also called for Jamaicans to back the work of the police, which he said has reduced criminality in communities, leading to improvements in the quality of life of residents.

 

The Prime Minister's comments come amid the increase in police fatal shootings and public debate about the JCF's handling of last Friday's deadly incident in Five Miles, Sligoville, St. Catherine.

 

While addressing a handover ceremony for the East Palms Housing Development in Kingston Central on Wednesday, Dr. Holness highlighted the impact of State intervention in innercity communities where the rate of murder has been significantly reduced.

 

This was met with applause from residents, one of whom said the JCF must be supported.

 

The Prime Minister, in endorsing the sentiment, accused persons in the society of seemingly defending criminality.

 

"We back the JCF. Good. And as Jamaicans, we must talk up in support of the JCF. Criminals mustn't have no say. There's this ambivalence in the country where somehow, its almost as if people are trying to defend criminality. No, we nuh defend criminals whatsoever. And if me a di last man a talk 'gainst criminals, I am going to stand up and be the last man to talk against criminals," he declared.

 

"All a di two mouth people dem - sometime you wonder where were they when the murder rate was high. Where were they? So anyway, we nuh pay dem no mind. We focus on getting our things done, getting the job done, which is what my administration is known for," added Dr. Holness.

 

Ground was broken in June 2025 for the East Palms housing development, which was designed to provide improved housing for a family displaced by a fire in July 2021.

 

The multi-family residence was constructed under the Government's New Social Housing Programme at a cost of $58.86 million.

 

The fire was suspected to be an act of arson, allegedly linked to gang-related violence.