Prime Minister Andrew Holness has hinted that the government could implement another round of States of Emergency (SOEs) to ensure the safety of citizens, over the Christmas holidays.

States of Emergency now in effect in eight parishes are to expire, shortly.

Speaking at the handing over of a home, under the social housing project in Manchester this afternoon, Mr. Holness said the government will do what is necessary to protect Jamaicans.

Mr. Holness highlighted recent incidents of crime in Manchester, including robberies and a double murder in Porus.

He noted similar incidents had occurred in Clarendon and St. Elizabeth in recent years, where organized criminal gangs carried out brazen robberies, extortion and house breaking.