State of Emergency Declared in Jamaica Following Deadly Gun Attacks

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared a state of emergency in Clarendon parish after eight people were killed in gun attacks, including a seven-year-old boy. The government aims to focus on gang violence, warning of potential retaliation. The United States advises against travel to Jamaica due to crime.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Wednesday declared a state of emergency in the southern parish of Clarendon following the deaths of eight people, including a seven-year-old boy, in weekend gun attacks.

"This is an opportunity for the government to mobilize fully to have a very serious focus on gangs," Holness stated in a press conference. He did not specify immediate regulations, but such measures typically involve curfews, extended detention periods without formal charges, and warrantless searches.

Holness expressed hopes that the state of emergency would prevent reprisal killings, citing intelligence reports warning of a high probability of retaliation. Five arrests have been made in connection with the shootings.

Jamaica ranked as the second-deadliest country in the Latin American and Caribbean region last year, with a homicide rate of 60.9 per 100,000 people. Despite a reduction in active gangs from 400 to 185 over five years, the figures remain alarmingly high.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is striving to combat gun violence through stronger law enforcement and restrictions on illegal firearm imports, 87% of which trace back to the United States, according to U.S. government data.

The U.S. government has advised its citizens to reconsider travel to Jamaica due to rampant crime, labeling Clarendon parish as "off-limits" for embassy personnel.

(With inputs from agencies.)