Acting Police Commissioner Clifford Blake outlined the situation in ST Catherine North , that led to the declaration of the State of Emergency or Enhanced Security Measures.

He states that the St Catherine North Police area  has been on the police radar for a number of years, adding that the police have been actively involved in attempting to bring order to the division.

Acting Commissioner Blake states that despite several activities,  the movement of gangs and guns continues.

As of this morning March 18 , 48 murders have been committed   in ST Catherine North , compared to  30 for the similar period  last year, while in 2016  21 persons were murdered between January 1 and March 18.

He says intelligence assessments indicate the possibility of a further increase in criminal activity due to conflict in the clansman gang ,  which he describes as the largest gang operating in Jamaica. the gang is based in ST Catherine North.

Meantime a joint police/military team has been deployed to sections of the ST Catherine North Division  since early this morning and has been carrying out operations there .

The Head of the Army,  Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Rocky Meade stated  the boundaries of the Enhanced Security Measures.

Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Rocky Meade, speaking at a press conference Sunday,  says persons may be concerned about the security forces operations  on their every day life , but adds that  members of the JCF and JDF  have been trained to give due regard to human rights.