Prime Minister Andrew Holness has responded to the concerns of the Montego Bay business community about crime in St James saying the Government is doing all it can to control the problem.

Last week, amid reports that 20 people were killed in 10 days in St. James, members of the business community called for National Security Minister Robert Montague to meet with them to outline the government’s plan to arrest violent crimes in the parish.

The Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce said businesses were concerned about the safety of workers and residents of the parish.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the GWest Centre in Fairview, Montego Bay last evening, Holness said crime is an impediment to business growth.

He said this is particularly true for businesses in Montego Bay.

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Holness says the Government is committed to achieving sustainable, positive transformation.

He points to his request in parliament this week for the zone of special operations in Mount Salem in the parish to be extended for 60 days.

According to Holness, this will give the security forces more time to complete its work and allow for social intervention initiatives to continue.