The number one challenge that Jamaica faces at this point in time and has been facing for at least the last two decades is crime and violence.  The PNPYO is therefore extremely anxious for there to be meaningful solutions, to firstly, curtail the current spike in violent crimes, and to totally eradicate this monster in the medium to long term.

The Prime Minister has said that Jamaicans should be prepared to be inconvenienced as the State and the police force in particular, step up their efforts to curtail crime and violence.  We are sure that every well thinking and law abiding Jamaican is willing to play his or her part, as the fight against crime has to be a collective and collaborative effort.

PNPYO spokesman, Andrae Blair said "The PNPYO is however not willing to accept or support any measure of inconvenience to the Jamaican people that leaves itself subject to the abuse of their basic human rights and civil liberties."

The Prime Minister, in a contribution to the Sectoral Debate in Parliament on Tuesday June 17, 2008, suggested that the government will be pursuing measures to extend the period of time without charge for persons held on "suspected" murder and gun related charges.  In the same presentation, the Prime Minister said that in carrying out their duties the police will have to respect and uphold the rights of the public and ensure that they protect and reassure law-abiding citizens.

Mr. Blair said "The proposal being made by the Prime Minister is in contravention to the upholding and protection of the rights of the Jamaican citizens to which he spoke, as the authorization of detention for extended periods of time without charge would be a blatant violation of a citizen's right to freedom and the right to be assumed innocent until proven guilty."

It is on this premise that the PNPYO rejects the Prime Minister's proposals and calls on the government to ensure that whatever measures are utilized in the fight against crime are in line with the protection of basic human rights and civil liberties of the Jamaica people.

Contact:
Andrae Blair
(876) 848-0098