A State of Emergency has been declared for the ST Catherine North Police Division.  This was announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness this morning (March 18 )at a press conference.

The State of Emergency takes effect today and will last initially for 14 days.

In making the declaration Mr. Holness says the security forces have advised him, that a high level of criminal activity continues and threatens public order and the rule of law.

Mr. Holness states that  the Governor General signed the  proclamation under the Emergency Powers Act,  to bring into effect the Enhanced Security Measures . The proclamation has also been gazetted.

The Prime Minister adds that under the Enhanced Security Measures , the security forces will have extraordinary powers and some rights will be suspended.

He says this does not mean  the use of the extraordinary powers can be arbitrary or are beyond review.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness  explains that in various areas, there will be joint static and mobile patrols and that persons may be stopped at various check points.

As stated under the Emergency Powers Act, the Emergency Powers Review Tribunal will be named shortly.

Mr. Holness says he will address the Parliament at the earliest opportunity on this declaration.