Member of Parliament for St James Southern, Homer Davis has sought to address claims that he had suggested negotiating with criminals, as one strategy to combat the country’s crime issue.

Several stakeholders in St James have been calling for new and effective strategies to tackle crime in the parish.

The St. James Police Division has recorded the highest number of murders since the start of the year.

Minister Davis noted that although he has no intention of negotiating with the nation’s criminals, steps must be made to reach young people who are easily influenced or recruited by violent producers.

He reminded Jamaicans that there are several programmes to which vulnerable young people can be directed.

He added that while the Government continues to seek effective ways to address the crime issue, negotiating with criminals is not an option.

Mr Davis was addressing a meeting in Cambridge, St James last evening (June 12).