Tag: Mount Salem

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Featured News Jamaica Latest Jamaican News

Hon. Delroy Chuck – Custodes and JPs Have Important Role to Play in ZOSO

Delroy Chuck

(JIS)  Hon. Delroy Chuck – Custodes and JPs Have Important Role to Play in ZOSO: Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck says that custodes and justices of the peace (JPs) will have an important role to play in ensuring the success of the Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO).

Speaking at a sensitisation session for lay magistrates in the parishes of Trelawny, St. Ann and St. James on September 13, at the Royalton White Sands Hotel in Trelawny, Mr. Delroy Chuck said that not only will JPs be expected to participate in the Social Intervention Committees in the initial stages, but their work will have to extend even after operations in the zones.

“In terms of the long-term development, I will be urging the JPs to assist, to make sure that these communities get the proper attention,” he said.

The Minister pointed out that efforts will be made to train more JPs this year, so that they can play a stronger social and judicial role in their parishes.

“Far too many of the parishes are underserved by justices of the peace. I would like all the parishes to have at least 500 JPs by early next year. There is no doubt that apart from having 500 JPs, we are also going to have additional training, so that the JPs can participate in restorative justice, human trafficking, child abuse, and drug abuse cases,” he said.

The Minister emphasised the importance of making justice and information about justice programmes accessible to the public, and outlined that the Government is seeking to do its part to ensure that individuals can access legal services.

This, he said, will be made possible through the establishment of parish justice centres across the island as well as through the mobile legal-aid unit.

For her part, Chief Technical Director in the Ministry of Justice, Grace-Ann Stewart McFarlane, who represented the Director/Principal of the Justice Training Institute, Karen Campbell-Bascoe, said the main objective of the training session, which was launched in February, is to enhance and strengthen the capacity of JPs to function in the quasi-judicial system, while ensuring that there is a good cadre of well-trained JPs to support the justice system.

The training also included presentations by representatives from the Administrator General’s Department on Inheritance and Writing Wills, Land Administration and Management Programme (LAMP) on Land Titling, and Office of the Public Defender on Human Rights.

The Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Act was passed earlier this year in Parliament.

Under the Act, JPs have the responsibility to ensure that the human rights and freedom of all citizens are safeguarded and that the Custos, or a nominee of the Custos with jurisdiction over the parish, should be appointed to the Social Intervention Committee.

The first ZOSO was declared for Mount Salem in St. James on September 1. It will last for 60 days.

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Featured News Jamaica Latest Jamaican News

Angry Mount Salem Residents Lashed out at Zone of Special Operation

Salem Residents

Montego Bay, Jamaica (McKoy’s News) – Angry Mount Salem Residents: Dozens of angry Mount Salem Residents in Montego Bay, St James happily welcomed a tour of the Zone of Special Operation by Former Minister of National Security Peter Bunting on Wednesday, September 12, 2017.  The residents, despite being overjoyed to see Mr. Bunting, complained to him that their community did not need a Zone of Special Operation.

The residents further mentioned that only a section of Mount Salem have been placed in the Zone and is inhabited mostly by supporters of the Peoples National Party. They further stated that since the start of the year, the community of Mount Salem has been registered as one with the lowest crime and murder rate in St James, so it came as a surprise to know that the Prime Minister targeted Mount Salem.

Former Minister Bunting along with Dr. Fenton Ferguson and Wykeham McNeill, stated that the move was unimaginable and that the opposition party has been asking about it since the start of the Zone of Special Operation.  They pointed out that the presence of the police and soldiers are well accepted but the lock down on the community is a hard move from the Prime Minister.

They pointed out that the presence of the police and soldiers are well accepted but the lock down on the community is a hard move from the Prime Minister. One lady told Mr. Bunting that police officers in the Zone were drawn from areas as far as St Andrew and Clarendon and those are areas which really need Zones of Special Operations.

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Featured News Jamaica Latest Jamaican News

Services Provided at Mount Salem Fair Carefully Selected – Malahoo Forte

Malahoo Forte

 (JIS) – Malahoo Forte: Attorney General, the Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte, says careful consideration was given to selecting the special services offered to residents of Mount Salem during the fair held in the community on the weekend.

She noted that emphasis was placed on assisting persons to obtain proper identification cards, which is required for residents living within the boundaries of the Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO).

“The services… have been carefully selected to begin the assistance to the residents in the area to ensure, first, that persons without identification cards are brought into the system,” she noted.

She was speaking to JIS News at the community fair held on September 9 and 10 in the St. James community, where the first ZOSO is in effect.

Mrs. Malahoo Forte, who is the Member of Parliament for West Central St. James, where Mount Salem is located, hailed plans by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information to ensure that youth who have dropped out of the formal system are reintegrated as soon as possible.

She said parents will have to take greater responsibility in ensuring that their children stay in school, noting that dropouts are vulnerable to gang recruitment.

“We want to identify all students who have dropped out of school. Those who are still of school age, we are putting them back in the school system, (and) those who are no longer of school age are going into some skills training programme,” she pointed out.

Mrs. Mahaloo Forte expressed optimism that the ZOSOs will be successful.

“It is my hope that we will make major progress in what we are doing. The Government alone cannot do it, and I think that slowly but surely, persons are beginning to realise that not only is it going to be all of government, but all of the community. I am hopeful, very hopeful,” she said.

Scores of residents benefited from the two-day fair held at the Mount Salem Primary School.

They received free medical and dental services, with recreational activities for the children, such as a bounce-about and mechanical bull.

Among the entities providing services were the Registrar General’s Department (RGD), HEART/NTA, National Youth Service (NYS), Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), and the Ministry of National Security and its agencies.

The event formed part of the social-intervention programme for the Mount Salem community, which, on September 1, was declared the first ZOSO under the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Act. The ZOSO will be in place for 60 days.

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Featured News Jamaica

Area One Police State Clause which Led to ZOSO not Reaping Success in Mount Salem

Road Safety HUB

Montego Bay, Jamaica (McKoy’s News) – Area One Police: Several police officers in the Area One Division are now raising concerns regarding the Zone of Special Operations not being more effective in the community of Mount Salem.

One high ranking officer in particular who wish to remain unanimous told our news team that the Zone of Special Operations was an excellent approach on the part of the government. He further stated that an operation such as this should already have been reaping more success, but he points out that there are two major clauses which led to the Joint Military team being less successful in the Zone.

The police officer stated that based on investigations carried out, it was discovered that the day before the Zone of Special Operations was implemented, a certain influential individual conducted a meeting with men in Mount Salem who are considered by the police to be “community strong men”.

According to the officer, it was discovered that some of what was said at the meeting caused a number of individuals to move out of the area that same night. He also stated that several high-end vehicles, believed to be owned by scammers were seen being towed away by their private owners.

The officer further stated that the other clause is the fact that the major escape routes were not timely sealed off. The officer distinctly pointed out that several bushy tracks known to the Mount Salem Police and which leads from the Zone of Special Operations area to the neighboring community of Westgate Hills, were sealed off hours after the Operation took effect.

He pointed out that these routes may have been used as a refuge border where several of the criminals used to escape with illegal weapons and this has dampened the success of the search operations by the Joint Forces. Since the Zone of Special Operations took effect seven days ago, the security forces have reported the meagre discovery of few knives and one illegal firearm. Also, it was said the over a dozen men have been taken into custody but eleven of these men have been processed and released with only one still being held at the Freeport lockup.

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Crime Featured News Jamaica Latest Jamaican News

Mount Salem Residents Call For Extension To Firearm Seizure Moratorium 

Firearm Seizure Moratorium

St James, Jamaica (McKoy’s News) – Firearm Seizure Moratorium: Residents in the community of Mount Salem in St James say they are now calling on the Prime Minister of Jamaica, for an extension of the Moratorium on Firearm seizures within the Zone.

This appeal by the residents has come a few days after the expiration of the Moratorium which was issued by Prime Minister Andrew Holiness on Sunday, September 3, during a press Conference which was held at the Western Office of the Prime Minister in Montego Bay.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness firmly stated that the Moratorium/Grace Period would be relative to establishing possession, where an illegal firearm is discovered on premises.

This period he said would last for only five days, starting on the day of the announcement.

The Firearm Seizure Moratorium expired on Friday, September 7, but residents within the zone are now saying that following Saturday’s seizure of four illegal weapons they know that the illegal guns are still there but residents are afraid.

The moratorium stated that if an illegal firearm is found at a premises in those five days, the owner or occupier of that premises will not be taken into custody but will be documented. A person found with a firearm will be dealt with according to the laws of the country.

According to residents, the five day period was far too short and the government should give family members time to have dialogue with other relatives and for them to turn over the illegal weapons to the Joint Military Team.

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Featured News Jamaica Latest Jamaican News Politics

MOUNT SALEM RESIDENTS GETTING IDENTIFICATION CARDS SOON

MOUNT SALEM RESIDENTS GETTING IDENTIFICATION CARDS SOON

Montego Bay (Mckoy’s News)- MOUNT SALEM RESIDENTS GETTING IDENTIFICATION CARDS SOON: Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holiness on Sunday, September 3rd, 2017 promised that come this Saturday  9th  the community of Mount Salem will see the start of the Zone of Special Operation Social Intervention programs with the hosting of a Community Service Fair.

On Saturday morning dozens of community members came out to the Community Fare which saw a number of tenths been mounted on the Mount Salem playing field to the Mount Salem Primary and Junior High School.

The Fair which is been supervised by the Social Intervention Committee and saw a number of Government Agencies facilitating the provision of IDs and TRN and Birth Certificates.The community members say they welcomed the government teams some of which are officers from RGD the EOJ the Tax Office the Health

The community members say they welcomed the government teams some of which are officers from RGD, the EOJ, the Tax Office, the Health
Department, the SDC and HEART Trust.During last weekend meeting with the Prime Minister he firmly stated that following the Community Fair he expects each and every individual within the Mount Salem Zone of Special Operation area to have proper identification and birth documents.

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Crime Featured News Jamaica Latest Jamaican News

Mount Salem: Illegal Firearms Seized

Five Persons Arrested in Manchester Firearm Seizure
M-16 RIFLE SEIZED IN BULLS BAY

Mount Salem, Montego Bay (Mckoy’s News)- Mount Salem: Illegal Firearms Seized: As the Joint Forces continue in the house to house search of Phase One in the community of Mount Salem in St James Saturday morning searches led to the seizure of four illegal firearms Five live rounds of ammunition and a wanted man been taken into custody. This latest seizure has now taken a number of illegal firearms seized in the Zone since last Friday to Five and the amount of wanted men taken into custody to Two.

The search continued on  Saturday morning at about 6:30 am where several houses were searches at separate locations in the Zone. During the search of a house in Peddlers Lane, an AK-47 assault rifle loaded with a magazine containing Five rounds was seized. During the search of a  house in Piggott Street, a Sig Sauer 9mm semi automatic pistol and two homemade shot guns were seized.

According to Major Jarrett, no one was at the house at the time of the seizure. As the searches continued one man whose identity is been withheld and who was being sought by the Mount Salem police for his involvements in several shootings in the Mount Salem area was apprehended. He is now been held at the Freeport lockup. This is the second wanted man to be held by the joint forces since the start of the Zone of Special Operations.

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Featured News Jamaica Latest Jamaican News

Mount Salem Residents Disgruntled Over Release of Incorrect Crime Statistics

Road Safety HUB

Montego Bay, Jamaica (McKoy’s News) – Mount Salem Residents Disgruntled: Residents within the Mount Salem Zone of Special Operations say they are now demanding a public apology from the Police High Command following a quote by a Deputy Commissioner of Police that a total of 54 murders have been committed within the community since 2017.

The community members say they are very upset with the Crime Statistics that was released by the high Ranking Officer between Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning.

According to them, the Statistics which was quoted by Deputy Commissioner of Police Clifford Blake that a total of 54 murders have been committed in Mount Salem since the start of 2017 is totally incorrect. This, according to them, has come as a shock.

Mount Salem Residents Disgruntled

They are now willing to accept the change being brought across by the Zone of Special Operations, however, they are not contented with the name of the area being tarnished. They say they are now demanding an apology from the Police High Command.

Investigations carried out by this reporter have revealed that since the start of the year a total of 198 murders have taken place in St James with just ten of those murders taking place in Mount Salem from January 1st, 2017 up to September 5th, 2017.

The Mount Salem Police falls into a zone of three which consists of Mount Salem, Amity Hall and Adelphi Police Stations. A total of 47 murders have taken place within those three policing zones since 2017 but the Mount Salem policing areas which consist of Mount Salem, Rose Mount, Rose Heights, Cornwall Courts and Farm Heights have registered a total of 34 murders.

DCP Blake is incorrect based on the correct stats which shows that only 10 persons have been murdered within the Zone of Special Operations since 2017.

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Featured News Jamaica Latest Jamaican News

Mount Salem Division Councillors Anticipates ZOSO Social Intervention

Montego Bay, Jamaica (McKoy’s News) – Mount Salem Division Councillors: On Friday, August 1st, 2017 the Government of Jamaica declared the Zone of Special Operations in the Community of Mount Salem in St James. What most residents are not aware of is the community of Mount Salem is the only one of in western Jamaica, with two  Councilors.

Councillor Richard Vernon who represents the Jamaica Labor Party and Kerry Thomas who represents the People’s National Party. Both Councillors say they welcome the government’s move of establishing the Zone of Special Operations and that they are now anticipating the  Social Intervention Phase. This is the Phase where residents can relate freely to members of the security forces and with residents from other sections of the community without fear of violence.

Mount Salem Division Councillors

The Councillors stated that since Friday they have carried out several tours in the Mount Salem community and they eagerly anticipate the Social Intervention phase of the Zone of Special Operations.

Since Tuesday morning the Joint Security Forces has eased the tension somewhat on the residents of the community, who are allowed to move about more freely now. According to Councillor Thomas, from day one residents were not held against their will, but there were rules that they needed to follow. Over the past four days, the professionalism of the security personnel have resulted in gradual success in the relationship between themselves and the residents.

Councillor Vernon, on the other hand, stated that earlier this year the community of Mount Salem was rocked with a number of gang flare ups and murders, and residents are now thankful that they can move about much more freely, without having to be in fear of being harmed.

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Featured News Jamaica Latest Jamaican News

Mount Salem Residents Welcome Security Operations

Mount Salem Residents Welcome Security Operations
Mount Salem Residents Welcome Security Operations

(JIS) – Mount Salem Residents Welcome Security Operations: Residents of Mount Salem in St. James are declaring their support for the Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO), expressing the hope that the presence of the security forces will help bring peace to their community.

“I have no problem with what is taking place,” said 58-year old Claudette Watkis, who has lived in Mount Salem all her life.

Ms. Watkins, who spoke to JIS NEWS on September 2, said the security operations in the area are necessary.

“I am just hoping and praying that whatever inconvenience we are currently experiencing will be worth it in the long run,” she added.

Joyce Matthews, another resident, noted that the security forces are operating in a professional manner.

“It was a little strange at first to see so many soldiers and police but to be honest, they have been very professional and courteous and are just here to do a job,” she told JIS NEWS.

“Persons, who are not wrongdoers are not afraid to go through the checkpoints,” she noted.

For his part, Justice of the Peace (JP), Marcus McKenzie, said that while it is still too early to make a reasonable assessment “I have not seen anything that would warrant any form of criticism.”

“What has been happening as far as the crime situation in the western region is concerned is certainly untenable,” he told JIS NEWS.

“As a community, we all are in support of anything that will bring crime under control. Like other JPs, however, we have a vested interest in seeing that things are done in a proper manner and that there will be no human rights abuses,” he pointed out.

In the meantime, Civil Military Cooperation and Media Affairs Officer of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Major Basil Jarrett, said that up to Saturday (September 2), 1, 300 persons have been searched as well as 334 vehicles and 13 houses.

“We have also detained some 42 persons using the system we had established with the JPs,” Major Jarrett said.

“However, a majority of these persons have since been released. We have also recovered 10 offensive weapons; primarily knives,” he told JIS NEWS.

Major Jarrett informed that persons have been able to leave their homes at their own free will.

He said the operations of the security forces “are in keeping with what have been established as it relates to the Zones of Special Operations (law).”

For his part, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Clifford Blake, said he is pleased with the operations on the ground, noting that his job is to ensure that the rights of citizens are protected and that persons can move around without experiencing much inconvenience.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, on September 1, declared Mount Salem and its environs as the first Zone of Special Operations under the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Act.

The law seeks to contain crime while safeguarding the human rights of residents and promoting community development through social intervention initiatives.

The security operations in Mount Salem will last for 60 days.

According to information provided by the police, some 12 gangs are operating in the area, which has recorded 54 murders since the start of the year, 16 in the Crawford Street district alone.

In 2014, there were 46 murders in the area, with the figure increasing to 70 in 2015, and 85 in 2016.