The Opposition Leader has expressed shock at the utterances of the Prime Minister in which he said the responsibility for crafting a crime plan is that of the Commissioner of Police and not the government. Mrs. Simpson Miller said "The Prime Minister who is also the Minister of Defence has a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the nation and his comments were careless and reckless".

Mrs. Simpson Miller accused the Prime Minister of double standards because he criticised the Opposition Spokesman of National Security, Dr. Peter Phillips for the number of murders during the PNP administration while he is now saying that the Minister of National Security is only responsible for policy and not operations.

While acknowledging that the Minister of National Security has responsibility for policy and the police for operations, Mrs Simpson Miller said when the JLP was in Opposition they indicated that they had a plan to solve the crime problem and gave the country an undertaking to reduce violent crimes in a six month period. Mrs. Simpson Miller said "If the Police are not given the tools and the support to carry out their functions effectively, they cannot succeed".

Mrs. Simpson Miller lamented the fact that many persons were being murdered including women and children, senior citizens, men and boys and expressed anguish at the lack of respect for life that pervades the perpetrators of criminal activities.

Mrs. Simpson Miller called on the government to ensure a continuation and expansion of intervention programs in the inner cities and poor communities all across the country.

Mrs. Simpson Miller said the responsibility for fighting crime is a collective one requiring the involvement and participation of the Government, the Opposition and the entire society. She appealed to all citizens to give their support to the security forces and to unite in the fight against crime, as crime and violence are stifling development in the country. She said "The Opposition stands ready to support any worthwhile initiative to tame this monster that is afflicting the country".

Contact:
Portia Simpson Miller
Opposition Leader
Tel: (876) 978-1337
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