Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, says the Government is very disturbed by the increasing reports of violence targeting women and children.
Noting that the issue was discussed by Cabinet on Monday , as well as at yesterday’s meeting of the National Security Council, Mr. Holness said the Government is formulating strategies to respond on multiple levels.
The Prime Minister was addressing members of the diplomatic corps during a meeting at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel yesterday, as part of activities for Diplomatic Week.
He said that as an immediate response, the security forces are being engaged on measures to assure public safety.
Mr. Holness said the Government has taken certain decisions on tackling crime and violence in the country, which are to be revealed in the coming weeks, and which he guarantees will have profound impact on the current situation.
The Prime Minister, in the meantime, urged partnership with the diplomatic community in helping Jamaica to tackle the trafficking of contraband, particularly small weapons, into the island.
Noting that Jamaica’s location and large maritime space makes it particularly vulnerable to illegal trade, he called for the support of neighbouring countries, as well as states that manufacture and export guns.
He commended the country’s bilateral partners, who have sponsored programmes to address the issue of violence in the country, and assured that the Government will be seeking to intensify those partnerships.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is observing Diplomatic Week from February 5 to 10 under the theme: ‘Growth through Partnerships’.
Activities are designed to bring together diplomats for briefings and exposure to various aspects of Jamaica’s political, economic, cultural and social life and to strengthen engagement.
Twenty-four non-resident High Commissioners and Ambassadors have joined their resident counterparts in Kingston for the observance.
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