The declaration of a state of public emergency follows calls from many, especially residents of St. James, for decisive action to stem murders in the parish.

Today (Jan 18) Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the announcement which has been welcomed by some St. James residents.

St. James has seen some brazen attacks by gunmen, even during daylight hours with gun attacks occurring almost daily.

The killings have put the parish in the unenviable position of recording the highest number of murders for any one division.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness flanked by his Justice and National Security Ministers Delroy Chuck and Robert Montague and the heads of the army and police Major General Rocky Meade and George Quallo told the nation today that the state of emergency was in effect.

Mr. Holness was asked why it had taken so long for this type of action for the crime plagued parish.

He said the state of emergency was being contemplated for some time. Mr. Holness added that this was not an action that could be taken arbitrarily and it required a great deal of planning.

The Prime Minister said for strategic reasons they would not declare to the public the duration of the state of emergency.

He was asked about the impact on tourism with Montego Bay being a major tourist destination.