State Of Emergency Declared for St. James

A state of emergency in St James of emergency has been declared for the parish of Mobay.  Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the revelation at a press briefing held at Jamaica House on Thursday.

This means that extraordinary powers have been given to the security forces while some rights have been suspended.  It also means that the security forces can search a place without a warrant.

As early as 6am soldiers and police have blanketed parts of St James carrying out searches.

In 2017 St. James recorded 335 murders, the Prime Minister reassured the public that although some rights have been suspended the security force is expected to be humane to all citizens.