Jamaica to implement measures to appease fears of abduction

~~Adz:Left~~ KINGSTON, Jamaica – JAMAICA’S Prime Minister Bruce Golding has taken a decision to implement a number of measures aimed at addressing the public’s fears, which have arisen from recent abduction of children and threats of abduction.

The Jamaica leader said after discussing the concerns of the public with the Ministers of National Security and Education, the High Command of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JFC), the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and others, it has been agreed that several measures to address these fears should be implemented.

According to an article carried by www.caribbean360.com, measures would include increased police patrols, recruitment of more District Officers.

“The plan of action will see an immediate increase in police patrols at the schools which have reported the cases of abductions; a general enhancement of the existing Safe Schools Programme; an increase in the recruitment of District Officers which will be undertaken by the police working closely with the Ministry of Education; the provision of up to date and detailed reports and figures relating to the abductions or alleged abductions to the Prime Minister on a weekly basis; and the provision of profiles of the missing persons to assist the police in their investigations.”

The media house further states that a sub-committee under the Chairmanship of Andrew Holness, Minister of Education, has been instituted and charged with the responsibilities of reviewing “policies and develop programmes that will address issues of discipline, safety and protection of students and the rehabilitation of students with deviant behaviour. This group will also address further, the measures for implementation and develop a medium and long-term action plan, rooted in the Ministry of Education's newly developed Security and Safety in Schools Manual”.

PM Golding has urged persons to remain calm during this period and said he has been assured that, according to investigations into these recent rumours of abduction, “there is a significant gap between reality and perception…”

According to caribbean360, Jamaica’s Commissioner of Police, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, reiterated the sentiments of the PM and urged the Jamaican public to remain calm and refrain from panicking.

“It is important that we don’t panic and if the people panic, our leaders at all levels don’t panic. We have to have steady hands and calm nerves. We need to have the truth and the police will seek the truth, and if it is bad or good we will let it be known, but we have to be responsible in how we address these things,” the Commissioner said.

The media house further states that the public is being urged to lend to the support of the police and report all occurrences of abduction or criminal activity while remembering that false reports will only serve, “to create unnecessary fear and panic within the society”.