ZOSOs extended for further 60 days

The House of Representatives this afternoon approved 60-day extensions of the Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs) in Mount Salem, St James and in Denham Town, Kingston.

"There have been no reports of major crimes, no abuse by the security forces, and the residents continue to cooperate with the security forces," said Prime Minister Andrew Holness in relation to Mount Salem.

However, in Denham Town, Holness explained that achievements have been interrupted by gang activities. 

He said the extensions will facilitate the "build phase" under ZOSO, which he said will focus on social intervention activities.

This is the third extension for Denham Town and fourth for Mount Salem.

The St James ZOSO was first declared on September 1, 2017, while the Denham Town ZOSO took effect on October 17 last year.

Opposition Spokesman on National Security Fitz Jackson argued that the Government should not embrace what he described as a false sense of security.

He contended that ZOSOs and States of Public Emergency are short term measures in limited areas and there needs to be a long-term fix for the crime and violence in those areas.

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