55 / 494
54
What is taking place is a calculated assault on the authority of the
State that cannot be tolerated and will not be allowed to
continue.
The state of emergency will enable the security forces to exercise
extraordinary powers necessary to deal with this extraordinary
situation. These include the power to restrict the freedom of
movement, search premises and detain persons suspected of
involvement in unlawful activities without warrant. These are
necessary measures to restore order to a community that is now
threatened. The security forces will be moving swiftly to bring
the current situation under control. Criminal elements bent on
violence and mayhem will be detained, and processed. The
criminal element who have placed the society under siege will not
be allowed to triumph.
The security forces have been instructed to observe and respect
the rights of citizens to go about their lawful business. The city is
not being shut down. People are assured that they are free to
move about and go to work as usual. Schools will be in full
session on Tuesday. There will be some inconvenience as the
security forces intensify their surveillance and efforts to ferret out
the criminals and return the Corporate Area to a state of calm.
But let us make no mistake. The threats that have emerged to
the safety and security of our people will be repelled with strong
and decisive action.
The state of emergency will remain in effect for a period of one
month unless the security forces advise that it should be revoked
or unless it is extended by the House of Representatives.
This will be a turning point for us as a nation to confront the
powers of evil that have penalized the society and earned us the
unenviable label as one of the murder capitals of the world. We
must confront this criminal element with determination and
unqualified resolve.
Tonight, I appeal to all law-abiding citizens to remain calm and
support these necessary measures. My government is
determined that Jamaica must be a land of peace, order and
security. Without this, we will never achieve the happiness and
prosperity that we seek.
Good night and God bless you.”