Jamaica: State of emergency extended in East Kingston until April 25 /update 11

Event

The House of Representatives approved extending the current state of emergency (SOE) for East Kingston until April 25 during a session on Tuesday, February 4. Lawmakers also voted to extend the SOE for Mount Salem, St. James, and Denham Town in West Kingston for another 60 days. 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.).