30 Jul 2020 | 08:07 PM UTC
Jamaica: State of public emergency extended in seven parishes and police divisions through September 3 /update 12
Parliament extends state of public emergency in Saint Andrew South, Kingston Eastern, Clarendon, Saint Catherine, Saint James (including Montego Bay), Hanover, and Westmoreland through September 3; maintain heightened vigilance
Event
Jamaica's Senate has voted to extend the current State of Public Emergency's in place for Saint Andrew South and Kingston Eastern police divisions, Clarendon and Saint Catherine parishes, and Saint James (including Montego Bay), Hanover, and Westmoreland parishes through September 3.
Further extensions are possible in the coming days and weeks if the security situation does not improve. Heightened security measures, including checkpoints, and an increase in police operations are anticipated in areas under the SOE in the near term.
Context
States of Public Emergency have been implemented intermittently across multiple parishes since January 2018 due to rising crime rates. During "states of emergency," police and military personnel are given the authority to search people and buildings, curtail business hours, and detain individuals without a warrant.
Advice
Individuals present in the aforementioned areas, and across greater Jamaica, are advised to remain vigilant, follow all instructions issued by local authorities, and exercise basic security precautions (e.g. keep signs of wealth concealed, drive with doors locked and windows rolled up, etc.).
