The Government has imposed another State of Public Emergency in Clarendon as the security forces seek to quell ongoing violence.

A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) this morning indicated that Prime Minister Andrew Holness moved to declare the security measure on the basis of intelligence that has found that the ongoing feud between rival gangs in Clarendon has led to a surge in organised armed violence.

OPM said today's declaration will build on operations conducted during August which have resulted in the charge of two individuals for the Cherry Tree Lane act of terror.

A State of Public Emergency was declared in the parish following a mass shooting which saw eight people being killed and nine injured.

Holness said the government's is committed to restoring peace and security in Clarendon.

“The national security situation in Clarendon has reached a point where further decisive and urgent action is necessary. The initial August declaration was an operational success, however, new intelligence assessments have shown that an additional response is required. We will not allow criminals to dictate the terms of life and security in any parish. With the full force of the law, the Government will protect the lives of the residents of Clarendon and bring security to their communities.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang, emphasised the importance of citizen involvement in the war on gangs.

“I urge every citizen to share any information and fully cooperate with the security forces. Together, we will defeat the gangs and make Clarendon and Jamaica a safer place.”

OPM said the State of Public Emergency will provide the security forces with an enabling environment to further address organised violence in Clarendon, ensuring swift and targeted operations to disrupt, degrade and dismantle their operations.

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