Jamaican PM Golding promises to crack down on criminal elements

(Eds: Updates with remarks from PM Golding.)

KINGSTON (BNO NEWS) -- Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding on Sunday declared a state of emergency for parts of Kingston and St Andrew and promised to crack down on criminal elements, on a day violence continued to escalate in the region.

Tensions have continued to rise on Sunday with protesters of an alleged drug lord setting fire to police stations, while gunfire can be heard. Supporters of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, the alleged drug lord who faces extradition to the United States, have also put up roadblocks.

Golding said that, based on an update and advice from the security forces, he summoned an emergency meeting of the Cabinet at 2 p.m. local time to consider the advice.

"This afternoon, the Cabinet, in emergency session, took the decision to advise the Governor-General to issue a proclamation declaring a state of public emergency for the Corporate Area effective 6.00 PM today," Golding told the nation in a televised address. "This decision was based on information and advice provided by the security forces that actions were being taken which pose significant threats to law and order in the Corporate Area."

The state of emergency is only affecting parishes of Kingston and St. Andrew, which have been the scene of chaos and violence.

The declaration came into effect at 6 p.m. local time on Sunday (2300 GMT) and will remain in effect for at least one month unless extended by the House of Representatives or revoked earlier.

"Since this morning, violent, orchestrated attacks have been launched on a number of police stations," Golding said. Two members of the security forces were shot and injured, but there are no reports of fatalities.

"What is taking place is a calculated assault on the authority of the State that cannot be tolerated, and will not be allowed to continue," Golding said, while adding that the state of emergency will allow security forces to exercise extraordinary powers 'necessary' to deal with the situation.

"These include the power to restrict the freedom of movement, search premises and detain persons suspected of involvement in unlawful activities without warrant," Golding continued. "These are necessary measures to restore order to a community that is now threatened."

Golding further said that security forces will be moving swiftly to bring the situation under control. "Criminal elements bent on violence and mayhem will be detained, and processed," he said. "The criminal element who have placed the society under siege will not be allowed to triumph."

The Prime Minister, who has been in power since September 11, 2007, said security forces have been instructed to observe and respect the rights of citizens. "The city is not being shut down," he said, adding that people are allowed to move about and go to work as usual. Schools will be open on Tuesday but, the Prime Minister added, there will be 'some inconvenience' as security forces intensity their surveillance.

"But let us make no mistake. The threats that have emerged to the safety and security of our people will be repelled with strong and decisive action," Golding said. "This will be a turning point for us as a nation to confront the powers of evil that have penalized the society and earned us the unenviable label as one of the murder capitals of the world. We must confront this criminal element with determination and unqualified resolve."

Jamaica is known for its high levels of serious crime, including armed robbery, kidnapping and murder. Especially the Old Kingston area is often the scene of violent crime.

Golding, in his address to the nation, appealed on all law-abiding citizens to remain calm and support these 'necessary measures.' "My government is determined that Jamaica must be a land of peace, order and security. Without this we will never achieve the happiness and prosperity that we seek," he concluded.

The sudden outburst of violence comes days after the U.S. State Department issued a travel alert for the Caribbean country, citing 'developing security concerns'.

"The possibility exists for violence and/or civil unrest in the greater Kingston metropolitan area," the department said in its travel alert on Friday. "There are unconfirmed reports of criminal gang members amassing in the Kingston area, as well as mobilization of Jamaican defense forces."

The U.S. said that, if the situation ignites, there is a possibility of severe disruptions of movement within Kingston, including blocking of access roads to the Norman Manley International Airport.

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