Leader of Government Business in the Senate Kamina Johnson Smith says more time is needed to implement strategies to ensure crime in St. Catherine north, never reverts to previous levels.

In seeking an extension to the state of emergency in that police division, she says the enhanced security measures are necessary, in the fight against crime.

In opening the debate in the Senate, Mrs. Johnson Smith says, the heads of the security forces have advised the Prime Minister, that the state of emergency should be extended citing a 26 percent decrease in murders and shootings, while reports of extortion have declined.

The leader of government business adds, that many citizens in the affected communities also believe the measures should be extended, to bring back a sense of law and order to communities.

Mrs. Johnson-Smith says criminal activities have been disrupted, the influence of gangs has been curtailed, and the security forces have been able to conduct fundamental policing activities.

She also questions what would happen, if the enhanced security measures were not continued.

The Foreign Affairs Minister insists that the state of emergency is not the sum total of the plans to address crime, but she adds that the situation requires extraordinary action.

The state of emergency was declared in St. Catherine North on March 18, and later extended for three months until July three.

Meantime, the Opposition senators supported the extension but criticized how the government was going about dealing with crime and the state of emergency.

Senator Donna Scott Motley in her contrition to the debate, said the state of emergency was never intended to be a long term measure to fight crime.

She said she regretted that this is how it was emerging, and called it unfortunate and an admission of failure.

She pointed to the 72 percent reduction in murders in St. James, and 26 percent reduction in St. Catherine North.

However, Mrs. Scott-Motley also said the government should be careful not to  normalize a state of emergency.

She added that success will be determined, when the state of emergency is lifted to see how the gangs respond.

She also wanted to know the cost of the operations.

Meanwhile, Senator K D Knight asked for divine intervention to help solve the problem that has beset the country for so long.

He called for a treatment of the underlying cause of crime, questioning what was the basis of the support for the extension being sought.

The Senate later approved the extension.