Denham Town declared second zone of special operations

Prime Minister Andrew Holness a short while ago announced that the second zone of special operations, made possible under recently enacted legislation, has been declared in Denham Town, west Kingston.

The special designation took effect early this morning and will remain in force for 60 days, in the first instance.

The justifications given for Denham Town being declared as the second zone of special operations are; ongoing gang warfare, rampant criminality and escalating violence and murders among others.

There are also said to be 12 known gangs operating in the area.

The Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations), (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Act, which was passed in Parliament on July 11, allows the security forces – military and police – to operate under special conditions in the designated geographical area.

Major General Rocky Meade pointed out that the zone has been established in such a manner to prevent the Denham Town Primary from being impacted.

The security operations are to be accompanied by special social intervention measures in order to build the capacity of the community to overcome the socioeconomic problems it's faced with.

The prime minister stressed that all members of the jointforce have been trained in human rights. 

Holness also pointed out that residents can expect to encounter "checkpoints, curfew, targeted operations" and anticipate being asked to provide identification.