Holness declares ‘all-out assault’ on criminal groups | News

In response to the tragic shooting in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon, last Sunday night, the government has announced a comprehensive crackdown on criminal gangs.

The incident, which left eight people dead, has drawn a stern response from Prime Minister Andrew Holness and sparked critical debate over the effectiveness of current crime policies. At a press conference on Monday morning, Holness said that “anyone who was involved in this incident in any way will be brought to justice.”

“I want to make that absolutely clear. The incident is one that cannot be allowed to stand, otherwise it will become the normal routine of criminals,” he said. Holness stressed the seriousness of the situation, describing the attack as a direct attack on every Jamaican and every community. He announced an “all-out attack” on gangs, saying: “Every gang member, every gang will feel the full force of the state today.”

“This must never happen again in Jamaica,” he said. Holness stressed that the government’s response would include both domestic and international efforts, with the latter including finding those financing criminal operations from abroad. However, Holness assured that the rule of law and human rights would be upheld, even as he acknowledged the challenges of balancing robust action with the protection of freedoms

Holness addressed the question of whether tougher penalties for firearms are a sufficient deterrent. He said that while tougher laws have a positive effect on gun use and crime rates, the problem is deeply rooted.

“Remember, you are dealing with a problem that has been created over the last 50 years. It will not simply disappear,” he said. He also highlighted the use of an assault rifle in the recent massacre and stressed that the perpetrators should receive severe punishments according to the law.

Holness’s comments come against a backdrop of ongoing concerns about the effectiveness of crime reduction strategies. Despite reports of a decline in gang activity and crime rates, the public remains sceptical about whether these measures are sufficient. Skepticism was heightened when four people were arrested for suspected illegal firearms in Cherry Tree Lane on Monday afternoon, despite increased police presence in the area.

Sociologist Dr. Orville Beckford believes that the increase in horrific crimes we are seeing this year compared to 2023 may be related to the sociological implications of the times.

“It’s never as simple as two plus one equals three when it comes to social issues. Social realities are constantly changing, and what we’re seeing is a reflection of those shifts,” Beckford explained. He pointed out that the lack of male role models and the resulting social instability are significant contributors to the rise in gang-related violence. Beckford also discussed the limitations of punitive measures alone.

“The nature of postmodern society, where anything seems possible, influences the level of violence we see. The current generation faces different challenges and pressures than previous generations, which are reflected in more extreme behavior,” he said. He suggested that addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including social interventions that go beyond direct law enforcement actions.