11 Fatal Shootings in 24 Hours. I’m Concerned.

In Parliament yesterday, I addressed the Minister’s request to extend the Zones of Special Operations for another 6 months. We’ve consistently supported these renewals, and I’m not opposing this one. But after nearly a decade in some communities, with little visible law enforcement presence beyond a checkpoint, I have to ask: what is the continuing purpose of this mechanism? Crime is down across Jamaica even in areas without ZOSOs. So I asked the Minister to come with a full ministerial statement. This House, and the Jamaican people, deserve a real debate on the database analysis underway + the transition he says is being considered. Communities deserve more than an extended legal regime of reduced rights + increased enforcement powers. They deserve interventions like Project STAR that build hope, opportunity, and dignity. I also raised this: INDECOM is overwhelmed. Investigations take far too long. In the meantime communities feel vulnerable. I support body-worn cameras on special operations because Jamaicans deserve confidence that the rule of law is being followed. We need accountability and we need it now. #AccountabilityNow #PNP