“As leaders within this region and hemisphere, we are at the forefront of efforts for a united and coordinated stand against organised crime” – emphasises Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang.
He made the statement while delivering the opening remarks at the second annual National Security Seminar held at the AC Hotel by Marriott in Kingston earlier today (February 7).
The one-day event under the theme ‘Organised Violence and the Threat to Peace in Jamaica and the Region’ saw high-level government officials, law enforcement experts and key local and international stakeholders gathered to address current and emerging threats to national security.
The Security Minister stated that all governments within Latin America and the Caribbean region are contending with organised crime.
He says that “this threat transcends borders and has resulted in an escalation of homicides across the region over the past two years”.
Minister Chang told those in attendance that “while we continue to pursue strong and innovative security measures, policies and programmes, we also prioritise and facilitate dialogue and knowledge exchange as an important component”.
He further stated that “in response to these multifaceted security challenges, with an aim of restoring peace and good order, the Government of Jamaica has embarked on a number of strategic initiatives”.
These include continuous improvement to legislation and strategic investment in the institutional capacity of the security forces and more.
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness echoed the sentiment of the continued investment in the security forces to further combat emerging threats to national security.
In referencing the reduction in crime, he stated that “this progress reflects the government’s commitment to bolstering national security through policy direction, legislative changes and the allocation of the requisite financial resources.
The Prime Minister in delivering the keynote address further emphasised that “the reduction in crime is also attributable to the strategic initiatives and approaches taken to improve citizen security and public safety since 2016.”
The National Security Seminar, organised by the National Security Council is an avenue used to ensure cross-governmental cooperation with key stakeholders across sectors as well as to coordinate and monitor the implementation of sector specific outcomes relating to national security.
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