Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the level of organized criminal activity in Spanish Town St Catherine is a national emergency.

There was an upsurge in violent activities, including murders yesterday (June 14).

The police have noted that the events are stemming from gang warfare.

The area remains tense, with several business places staying closed, and very little activity otherwise, even as the security forces, have beefed up their presence, in a bid to restore calm.

A 48-hour curfew has been imposed on the community.

Mr. Holness, who was speaking at a Disaster Risk Management Council Meeting this morning said if the situation in Spanish Town is not swiftly addressed, more lives will be lost.