The State of Emergency SOE in St. James comes to an end today (Thurs).
The security measure was instituted last January, as a means of curtailing the crime rate in the parish.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has sought Parliament’s support, to extend the State of Emergency; however the Opposition People’s National Party PNP did not support the extension, leading to the expiration.
States of Emergency in St. Catherine North and the corporate area expired earlier this month.
Statistics reveal a 72 percent reduction in murders and a 63 percent dip in shootings, following the imposition of the State of Emergency, when compared to the same period in 2017.
The government has pledged to maintain a presence in the parish, following the SOE’s expiration to build on the gains.
