The House of Representatives today (July 11) approved amendments to the Zones of Special Operations bill.

It was debated in the senate last Friday and approved with 13 amendments.

Now that the bill has been approved by both the Upper and the Lower Houses of Parliament, it will be sent to the Governor General for assent before becoming law.

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck has indicated that the government is seeking to have the Zones of Special Operations implemented by the end of this month.

The Zones of Special Operations will give the security forces special powers to go into violence-plagued areas and set-up base, as a means of addressing the crime problem facing the country.

Under the Zones of Special Operations, certain fundamental rights of citizens will be suspended.

Members of the security forces will be able to search the property of residents in areas designated as special zones, without a warrant.

Meantime, Mayor of Kingston Delroy Williams says he is in full support of the Zones of Special Operations bill becoming law, as rampant criminally is a threat to Jamaica’s democracy.

Speaking at this morning’s Municipal Corporation’s meeting, Mayor Williams said, criminality has to be addressed and the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation has a duty to maintain the rule of law and public order.

He reiterated that councillors should welcome the bill, as it deals with social development such as restoring communities, providing leadership and developing infrastructure in those communities that are designated as special zones.

Mayor Williams said there are measures included in the bill for the security forces to  exercise their powers professionally and effectively.