The state of emergency in the St. Catherine north police division is to be extended to July 8.

The security measures were declared on Sunday, March 18, for an initial period of 14 days.

In parliament this afternoon (Mar 27), Prime Minister Andrew Holness reiterated that the state of emergency was declared in St. Catherine north, to tackle criminal gangs in the area, bring the high level of crime under control, and restore public order.

Mr. Holness says, the enhanced security measures in the division, have been yielding good results.

The Prime Minister says the security forces must be given the latitude to continue.

Meantime, Opposition Spokesman on National Security, Fitz Jackson, says while the Opposition supports the request for an extension of the state of emergency in St. Catherine, it is concerned about how the emergency measure is being used.

Mr. Jackson says the state of emergency is an extreme provision under the constitution, and should not be used “willy nilly”.

He says, even with the extension of the state of emergency, there is no clear indication from government, as to what will happen, when the measure ends.

He points out, that there are high levels of crime in other parishes, not just St. James and St. Catherine.