This decision follows a sharp rise in gang-related violence and criminal activities in these areas, which have been deemed hotspots for public safety risks. These locations, which also serve as key thoroughfares for residents, commuters, and bystanders, are now the focus of intensified security operations.

Addressing the Surge in Violence

The incident occurred in the ward where the patient was admitted. Upon discovery, hospital staff acted swiftly to provide immediate medical attention. The patient was transported to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department, where medical professionals made every effort to resuscitate him. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, the patient did not survive.

The programme, officially named Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK), is the largest road infrastructure initiative in Jamaica’s history, with a budget of J$40 billion. It aims to repair roads across all constituencies and was designed through consultations with residents and political representatives to identify the most critical areas for improvement.

Situated on the compound of the Old Harbour Police Station, this single-room facility ensures the daily presence of a Justice of the Peace (JP) during the workweek. Additionally, a roster is being developed to have JPs on call for urgent matters at the station, according to Icylin Golding, Custos of St. Catherine.

The SOE, which covers four police divisions, including St. Catherine South – where Old Harbour is located – was declared to address a surge in violent crimes. It is set to last for 14 days, expiring on February 5, but could be extended for another two weeks if the situation remains volatile.

Despite Old Harbour recording only one additional murder compared to the same period last year (four murders since January), local residents and business owners feel disproportionately impacted by the stringent measures.

The victim’s identity is being withheld to ensure his safety.

Reports reaching Old Harbour News indicate that the incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. when a group of men were playing football. According to witnesses, a gunman wearing a hoodie walked onto the field and opened fire on his intended target, causing chaos as players scattered for cover.

The injured man was rushed to the hospital by the police, while the shooter fled the scene on foot.

Lamar Myers, also known as "Duppy Mecca," from the Africa enclave on Burke Road in Old Harbour, turned himself in to the authorities on Friday. Myers, 27, was accompanied by a relative when he reported to the Old Harbour Police Station, Old Harbour News can report.

Myers was among several individuals listed as persons of interest by the police and had been ordered to report to the nearest station by January 24.

The Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society (JCHS) notes the recent disclosure that there are 363 sexual offences cases on the Home Circuit Court term’s list of which 156 involve the offence of having sexual intercourse with persons under 16 years old. The Acting DPP, Ms. Claudette Thompson, is quoted as saying “children are the complainants in many of the sexual offences cases”. 

His commitment comes as part of a broader effort to address rising crime and maintain law and order in one of Jamaica’s fastest-growing communities.

On January 20, ASP Rankin, alongside Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Christopher Phillips, the commander of Area 5 and head of St Catherine South Police Division Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Leighton Gray, conducted a walkthrough of the town.

The announcement was made during an emergency business meeting convened by the South St Catherine Chamber of Commerce.

Following over an hour of discussions with members of the business community, ASP Rankin confirmed that the curfew will now be shortened after consultations with the St Catherine South and Area 5 high commands.

Revised Curfew Hours