Edmond Campbell, Senior News Coordinator
Phillips: We consider these (National Security Strategy initiatives) to be vital steps in preparing Jamaica to meet the current and future threats. - FILE
WITH A 21 per cent decline in murder and significant reductions in other major crimes since the start of the year, the Government has moved to implement immediately, five specific initiatives aimed at boosting the country's capacity to further stem the wave of crime affecting the country.
The initiatives contained in the National Security Strategy (NSS) were outlined in the opening presentation of the Sectoral Debate in Gordon House, on Tuesday, by National Security Minister, Dr. Peter Phillips.
As part of the plan, Government intends to strengthen the country's national intelligence system, by spending $350 million to enhance the technical capabilities of its intelligence services with some of the most sophisticated and current technologies.
PROPOSALS FOR TASK FORCE
Strategic reviews of national security bodies are to be carried out in addition to the establishment of a national task force to strengthen Jamaica's criminal justice system.
Initiatives to promote com-munity safety and security and the promotion of a national strategic communications programme to enhance public information and awareness will also be introduced.
Meanwhile, several recommendations in the NSS converge with a number of proposals submitted by the McMillan Task Force. The task force, chaired by former Commissioner of Police, Colonel Trevor MacMillan, was commissioned by the Opposition Leader to come up with ideas to address the crime problem in Jamaica.
Dr. Phillips said that several of the recommendations in the McMillan Report dubbed, "A Roadmap to a Safe and Secure Jamaica", have either been implemented or are scheduled for implementation.
CALL FOR REVIEW
MacMillan recommended, among other things, that the Government should review the Jamaica Constabulary Force, a proposal contained in the NSS. In addition to the JCF, the NSS also calls for a review of the Jamaica Defence Force.
The National Security Minister told his colleagues that the Government intended to expand the JDF, particularly with respect to the Coast Guard and the Air Wing and to put in place an additional combat support battalion.
"We consider these, among other measures, to be vital steps in preparing Jamaica to meet the current and future threats," he said.
