A State of Emergency has been declared in Rockfort and other sections of east Kingston following the murder of five people on Monday.
In a statement on Friday, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says the enhanced security measure was declared on the advice of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Jamaica Defence Force.
Nora-Gaye Banton reports.
According to the prime minister, a thorough assessment by the security forces indicates that the elevated levels of violent criminal activity within the designated areas are of such severity and scale that they pose a significant threat to public safety.
The SOE will impact several corridors and thoroughfares including Michael Manley Boulevard, South Camp Road, Vineyard Road, Diana Drive, Lexington Avenue, Deanery Road and Mountain View Avenue.
It extends to communities and roadways along the shared border between St Andrew and St Thomas.
Prime Minister Holness says the government and security forces are committed to taking the urgent steps to restore order and ensure the safety of the affected residents.
National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang says the security forces will be fully mobilised and all available resources will be committed to bring to justice, those responsible for the killing of the five men in Pleasant Heights, Rockfort on Monday.
A man reputed to be a high-ranking gangster and his son were among the five shot and killed.
Dead are 51-year-old Ortavio Austin, otherwise called Mandez, 29-year-old Okero Austin, otherwise called Keero, 32-year-old Odane Josephs, otherwise called Bones, and 38-year-old Rosrick Tomas, otherwise called Teniel.
The fifth man remains unidentified.
The men were among a crowd at a football competition in the community when the gunmen struck.
Pleasant Heights is the new name for the notoriously tough community of Wareika Hills.
Member of Parliament for East Kingston and Port Royal, Phillip Pauwell says Monday’s bloodletting has shattered a year-long peace in Rockfort.
