State of Emergency Declared in St. Andrew South and Parts of St. Andrew Central Amid Surge in Violence

KINGSTON, JAMAICA — The Jamaican government declared a State of Emergency (SOE) in the St. Andrew South police division and sections of St. Andrew Central on Wednesday, citing escalating violence that has overwhelmed local law enforcement.

The areas most affected include Waltham Park Road, Maxfield Avenue, and Waterhouse, which officials have described as “hotspots for gang-related warfare.” These locations have seen a sharp rise in violent incidents, posing significant risks to residents, commuters, and bystanders due to their roles as public thoroughfares.

A government statement outlined the need for enhanced security measures under the SOE to dismantle criminal networks and stabilize the region.

“Under a State of Public Emergency, enhanced security measures will allow security forces to disrupt criminal networks, apprehend perpetrators, and create an environment conducive to sustainable peace,” the government’s release stated. It emphasized that these measures would adhere to constitutional safeguards to protect citizens’ rights.

The government also committed to addressing the root causes of violence in these communities through ongoing social intervention programs aimed at resolving long-standing social and economic challenges.

The areas covered under the SOE are defined by:

• East: Red Hills intersection at Perkins Boulevard, Molynes Road, Red Hills Road, extending along Molynes Road to Hagley Park Road, Eastwood Park Road, Omara Road, and Chisholm Avenue to Maxfield Avenue.
• South: Maxfield Avenue, East Avenue to the coastline near Petrojam, and along the Kingston Container Terminal to the Portmore Causeway Bridge.
• West: From the Portmore Causeway Bridge along the Fresh River to the shared St. Andrew-St. Catherine border, Riverton, and Belvedere Road.
• North: Belvedere Road to Ferry Road, extending back to Red Hills at Perkins Boulevard.

The SOE comes amid ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of such measures in curbing violent crime across Jamaica. The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the government’s swift action and others calling for deeper, long-term solutions to gang violence and community strife.

Law enforcement and military personnel are expected to intensify their presence in the designated areas to restore order and safeguard public safety.