Opposition Leader Dr. Peter Phillips says additional legislation will not produce the results intended to stem the country’s crime problem.
He notes that dialogue with critical stakeholders can aid in developing crime fighting strategies.
Dr. Phillips says private security experts at universities, members from the peace management initiative, other non-governmental organizations and community groups can be engaged.
This comes in response to questions posed about the zone of special operation bill which was tabled in parliament earlier this year.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness in March, announced plans for the establishment of zones of special operations as part of the government’s plan to secure Jamaica.
Mr. Holness explained that the legislation is designed to give effect to a well-established and practiced security and community building strategic termed ‘clear, hold, build’.
Dr. Phillips says although some members of the Ppposition have submitted their names to be included in the consultative stage, he says a legislative agenda should not be the aim of government.
Also speaking this morning at the press conference, Opposition Spokesperson on National Security Peter Bunting says to solve crime is a national effort.
He bunting says crime is not isolated, and more needs to be done to address this problem.
The latest JCF statistics revealed that 639 murders have occurred up to June 10, representing a 19% increase in the number of murders year-to-date compared to 2016.
And, Mr. Bunting is refuting claims that similar crime problems existed during his time as minister.
His comments, follow a statement from him yesterday in which he expressed alarm at the spiralling murder rate and the silence of the government on the issue, even as he offers to support a national mobilization effort.
Mr. Bunting says crime is not a political issue, adding that he put in the work to protect the nation.
Mr. Bunting states that the crime problem is becoming a national crisis that is affecting everyone.
He is imploring the government to make the necessary resources available.