PRIME MINISTER Andrew Holness has declared a state of emergency in an attempt to stop the rise in violence in parts of Jamaica.

Parts of Kingston, Montego Bay and other western and central parishes are affected by the state of emergency.

The state of emergency means Jamaican authorities now have increased powers to arrest suspects, carry out arrest warrants and also search buildings.

“We have seen an increase in criminal activities in these areas and a threat to property and in some instances public disorder,” Mr Holness said in a televised address.

“What we are seeing with gang activities in these areas is cause for grave concern,” he added.

Last week, a two-week gun amnesty began in the Caribbean nation as a way to get illegal firearms off the streets.

The 14-day gun amnesty will end at midnight on Saturday, 19 November. 

Mr Holness said during the run-up to festive season is when violent crime increases and he is predicting a rise in murders.

On Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police Antony Anderson said 1,360 murders were recorded in Jamaica between 1 Jan 1 and 13 November, which is an increase of 6.8% compared to the same period in 2021.

Mr Anderson said gang violence was the reason for 71% of those murders.

National Security Minister Horace Chang is urging citizens to use the amnesty as a way to get rid of weapons in a safe manner. 

“The object of this amnesty is to have those individuals surrender their firearms,” said Mr Chang.

The amnesty will allow people who might be in possession of an unregistered or illegal firearm or ammunition to hand in the weapon without fear of prosecution. 

During the amnesty, those who disclose the location of ammunition or a firearm will not be prosecuted. 

However, once the two-week amnesty comes to an end, Mr Chang said those who possess an illegal gun “can expect the full force of the law to apply.” 

Those wishing to take part in the amnesty are being urged to contact the police or a lawyer. 

According to local media, in 2021, roughly 342 guns were seized along with nearly 5,000 rounds of assorted ammunition.