30 vehicles purchased for ZOSOs

The Ministry of National Security has acquired some 30 vehicles to be used in the zones of special operations (ZOSOs).

This was disclosed by portfolio minister Robert Montague during a press conference at Jamaica House on Tuesday, where Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared Denham Town in West Kingston the second ZOSO.

Montague said the acquisition includes trucks, buses, pickups, jeeps and specialised vehicles.

"Additional equipment has also been purchased, inclusive of office equipment, not only for within the zones but across the island," he noted.

The minister said the 'Get the Guns Campaign' has been repackaged and relaunched, and "we have seen some 30 per cent more illegal weapons being taken off the streets of Jamaica".

"This time last year, we had collected 499 illegal weapons. Today, we have collected 674 weapons, a 36 per cent increase. Specifically, within the first zone of Mount Salem (St James), we have, so far, collected seven weapons," Montague said.

"With regard to illegal ammunition, this time last year we would have collected 7,238 rounds, versus for now some 15,667 rounds."

The security minister reminded the public of the Government's cash-for-guns programme. He noted that information leading to the recovery of rifles and sub-machine guns will yield $150,000; semi-automatic pistols and shotguns, $100,000; and revolvers, $75,000.

Million-dollar reward

As it relates to the Fugitive Apprehension Fund, the minister said capturing a fugitive will result in the reward of $1 million.

"So far, it has resulted in the demise of Marlon 'Duppy Film' Perry from St Thomas, Sadan Mullings from Westmoreland, Glenroy Roach from Hanover, Paul Lewis and Daniel Whittaker from St James, and four of east Kingston's most wanted have all been treated with and rewards paid out," Montague said.

ZOSO falls under the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Act, which was passed in Parliament in July.

It serves as an important piece of legislation that seeks to contain crime while safeguarding the human rights of residents and promoting community development through social-intervention initiatives.