The National Security Council has recommended an increase in the level of operational and administrative oversight in areas under the Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO).

This while the overall objectives of the zones continue to be pursued to ensure social transformation, changed behaviour, and a reduction in the propensity towards violence.

The suggestion is against the background of recent violent incidents which occurred in Denham Town in Kingston, which is under a ZOSO.

Mount Salem in St. James is the other community under a Zone of Special Operations.

A statement for the Office of the Prime Minister says, Prime Minister Andrew Holness met with the National Security Council, yesterday (Apl 25).

A review of the country’s two Zones of Special Operations was carried out and an assessment made on the progress of several pieces of legislation which will contribute to improvements in national security.

These include the Jamaica Constabulary Force act and amendments to the firearms act, and the bail act.

Holness directed that the legislation be expedited, as a matter of urgency in the country’s interests.

In the meantime, the council heard presentations from the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) and the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) which outlined the proposed provisions for the Jamaica Economic Residency Programme.

This programmes aims to facilitate greater investments into the country.

The National Security council also received a comprehensive briefing on the status of Plan Secure Jamaica, which is the strategic security programme for the country.