Private sector groups urge the Opposition to support SOE extension

Fifteen private sector groups are urging the parliamentary Opposition to support extension of the states of emergency (SOEs) until January 14.

The Senate will meet to consider the matter on Friday, following approval of the resolution in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

However, it will require an affirmative vote by at least one Opposition senator for the extension to be approved.

Opposition Leader Mark Golding has stated that his side still has major concerns about extending the SOEs.

However, the broad-based private sector grouping is suggesting the Opposition support the extension with the condition that the Government addresses outstanding key issues, critical in achieving full Opposition support.

The groups argue that the data demonstrate that SOEs can help to save lives.

"Since the declaration of the SOEs on November 15, we have seen murders decline significantly nationally, and in the parishes where the SOEs were declared nine days ago," they say.

"Nationally, the data shows 63 murders being recorded the weeks before the declaration of the SOEs. Data shows that 12 murders were recorded in the first week of the declaration of SOEs. This is a significant decline," they continue.

The groups further note that since Wednesday, within the parishes and specific zones where SOEs were declared murders have recorded a dip from 21 for the period November 7-14 to 6 from November 15-22.

The groups say they agree with the Opposition that SOEs should not be a routine measure in normal times but argue that the trend in recent months suggests that additional measures are now needed to disrupt  criminal networks and reduce violent crimes and murder.

"Jamaica is bleeding, and we are at a point of great frustration as citizens. We expect our Prime Minister to lead this process and engage the Opposition with humility and inclusiveness. We are hopeful that the Opposition will reciprocate," they say.

The groups have also urged the Government to work with the Opposition to quickly bring the Enhanced Security Measures Act to Parliament.

The groups supporting the appeal:

The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ)

The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC)

Jamaica Manufacturers & Exporters Association (JMEA)

Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA)

MSME Alliance

Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ)

The Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce & Industry

The Negril Chamber of Commerce

The Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce

The May Pen Chamber of Commerce

Jamaica Employers Federation (JEF)

Jamaica Union of Travellers Association (JUTA)

Dunn's River Craft Traders Market Association

Ocho Rios Craft Council

Jamaican Craft Traders & Producers Association

Follow The Gleaner on Twitter and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.