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| Jamaica Police (file photo) | |
KINGSTON, Jamaica, August 22, 2008 - Jamaica's National Security Minister, Senator Colonel Trevor MacMillan, says a joint Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Task Force is going after the most serious of the 150 gangs believed to be operating in the island, as authorities seek to put the brakes on spiralling crime.
He said the operation has so far led to a number of the most wanted criminals, being held. Senator MacMillan said the security forces have also begun to apply pressure in hot spots, with the aim of flushing out and apprehending suspected criminals.
The minister pointed out that 80 per cent of crime in Jamaica is committed by young men between 15 and 25 years and this group had to be targeted to reduce the country's growing crime rate.
"They are unemployed, under-educated and school drop-outs. Any major impact on our crime rates will only begin when action is taken on this group within our society. These unemployed, under-educated youths find themselves being lured by others into gangs," he said.
Senator MacMillan emphasised that education, specifically for males, is essential in tackling this problem.
"When you look at the University of the West Indies (UWI), how many females graduate as against how many males graduate? It is evident that we need to get our young men properly educated and trained and given trades," he said.
The National Security Minister also pointed to rehabilitation as a vital part of breaking the back of crime.
"The fact is that when a man or woman goes into prison, if they can come out educated, even literate, with a skill and a trade, the chances of them going back into prison is much, much less," he said.
On the issue of criminal justice, Senator MacMillan revealed that the number of judges has increased and Gun Courts are expected to be introduced soon.
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