National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang - file photo
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Dr Horace Chang and President of the May Pen Chamber of Commerce Winsome Witter
National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang has said criminal activities in sections of Clarendon have surpassed the capabilities of a Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO).
Member of Parliament for Clarendon Central Mike Henry on Monday renewed his call for a ZOSO or State of Public Emergency in crime-plagued communities in the parish following Sunday's incident in the Guinep Tree area.
However, Dr Chang said a military operation other than a ZOSO is required to deal with the criminal gangs.
"ZOSO is a community based operation. This is a criminal gang, heavily armed, which requires a response that is much different from a ZOSO. You have to chase them, hunt them down, find them and hopefully apprehend them. But if they respond, then the police will be prepared to do what they have to do. This is not a ZOSO operation. This is a military operation," he insisted.
Dr Chang argued that "the country needs to appreciate the severity of what the police face" in Clarendon as criminals are armed with more advanced weapons than officers in the ZOSO are capable of responding to.
"This requires armed response but guided by intelligence and investigation that can make sure we find the right criminals," he asserted.
May Pen Chamber of Commerce
The May Pen Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed outrage at Sunday's daylight robbery of a supermarket in Guinep Tree by heavily armed men.
Two policemen were shot and injured during the incident.
President of the May Pen Chamber of Commerce Winsome Witter reacted to the incident, lamenting the response time of the police and noting that the Chamber had invested in a closed circuit television (CCTV) system "some years ago" which should have been able to assist in allowing for a quicker response to incidents of crime and violence in the parish.
She said the business community as well as residents in May Pen are fearful because of the growing incidents of crime and the fact that criminals are showing "a sense of blatant disregard for law and order."
Ms Witter called for additional security measures to tackle crime in Clarendon, arguing that "whether it's ZOSO or whatever the case is, based on what has been happening, there is need for high...security intervention at this time."
Police Commissioner's plans?
In the meantime, the People's National Party says urgent and effective steps must be taken to stem the deteriorating law and order situation which is causing fear and panic among a wide cross-section of Jamaicans.
It said Leader of the Opposition Dr Peter Phillips will be seeking a meeting with Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson in light of the flare-up of violence and brazen display of criminality in May Pen over the weekend.
The party said Dr. Phillips wants to know the Commissioner's plans to reassure and protect the nation.
Opposition spokesman on National Security Fitz Jackson said despite the presence of the State of Emergency in three western parishes, hardened and apparently well-trained criminals have continued their murderous rampage, carrying out daylight robberies.
He said the shock and awe effect of the state of emergency has waned and again proves that it only serves as a band-aid.
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