JAMAICA:  Parade Gardens Residents Assured of Professional Conduct by Security Personnel During ZOSO

#Kingston, January 9, 2022 – Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt. General Rocky Meade, is assuring residents of Parade Gardens in Central Kingston, where a Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO) has been declared, that their rights will be safeguarded as the security forces conduct their duties in the area.

“While we acknowledge that persons may be concerned about the implications of the internal security operations as they go about their day-to-day business, we want to assure citizens that both Jamaica Defence (JDF) and Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) [personnel] have been adequately trained and oriented to ensure the protection of the human rights of all Jamaicans,” he said.

The CDS was addressing a digital press conference on Sunday (January 9) during which Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, announced the declaration of the ZOSO in Parade Gardens.

General Meade informed that the ZOSO will give the security forces temporary additional powers of search, arrest and detention.

“We believe this is necessary in order to give the security forces the space necessary to carry out the operational tasks that will be required to help bring a sense of normalcy to the community,” he said.

The CDS urged persons to acquaint themselves with the regulations and requirements governing the ZOSO in order to seamlessly transit the area as they go about their lawful business.

“During this period of the ZOSO, citizens will encounter various operations to include vehicle check points and mobile patrols. The purpose of these operational activities is not to inconvenience citizens, but rather to add a robust element of security for residents as well as the other citizens transiting the area,” he said.

For his part, Police Commissioner, Major General Antony Anderson, also assured that the security forces will “conduct our duties with the highest level of respect for the human rights of all citizens and others who may find themselves in this space, as we continue to build sustained partnerships with the community.”

“As we work to restore public safety, we ask for the patience and understanding of the residents and persons doing business in or transiting the declared area,” he said.

Both Commanding Officers indicated that a critical element of the security forces’ success will be cooperation and support from citizens.

As such, they urged persons to call the JDF tip line at (876) 837-8888, CRIME STOP at 311, or the Kingston Central Police to provide relevant information.

The security heads also encouraged citizens and other persons to comply with the instructions of security officers at check points along the roads and routes in the community and adhere to curfew guidelines.

Contact: Alecia Smith

Release: JIS

Photo Captions:

Header: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness  (background, left), listens as Police Commissioner, Major General Antony Anderson (at lectern), addresses a digital press conference on Sunday (January 9). Also listening are Deputy Prime Minister and  Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang (second right); and Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of National Security, Senator the Hon. Mathew Samuda.

Insert: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (background), listens as Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. General Rocky Meade, speaks during a digital press conference on Sunday (January 9).

Photos: Rudranath Fraser