National Security Minister Robert Montague, says while there has been no report of human rights abuse under the state of emergency in St. James, steps have been taken, to protect the security forces in the carrying out of their duties.

Mr. Montague was making a statement in parliament this afternoon (Jan 23) on several crime related issues.

He noted that since the state of emergency was declared last Thursday, more than 190 people have been taken into custody.

The Cornwall Bar Association and the Legal Aid Council have already raised concern about not being able to offer aid to the detainees.

They also expressed concern about reports of how the detainees are being held.

However, the minister told parliament this afternoon, that so far, there is no report of any human rights abuse.

Mr. Montague says the government has sought to ensure, that the police and soldiers will not be prosecuted for their actions, during the state of emergency.

Meantime, at least 18 persons have been arrested in St. Catherine, during operations in support of the state of emergency in St. James.

This follows assurance given by Inspector Dian Bartley of the joint police military communications unit, last week that islandwide operations would be set up to apprehend alleged criminals who fled St. James.

National Security Minister Robert Montague told parliament this afternoon, divisions within Area 5 conducted a 24 hour blitz which saw increased visibility and intensified operational activities to include VCP’s, raids, searches and visits to persons on curfew orders, among others.

He says 18 persons were detained in St. Catherine North and one in St. Catherine South.

Operations have been launched in St. Ann, St. Mary and Westmoreland.

He says Portmore St. Catherine has been identified as a likely area where displaced criminals are likely to be housed.

As such, a joint team from CTOC central, the fugitive apprehension team and mobile reserve conducted targeted raids on several premises.

No one was apprehended.