Lester Hinds
Gleaner Writer

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness has touted the successes of his government in a wide ranging address to members of the Jamaican Diaspora in the United States.

Speaking at a reception at the Jamaican Consulate, Prime Minister Holness spoke about, crime, the economy, infrastructure and the upgrading of the country's court system.

On crime, the Prime Minister said that his government has put in place several crime fighting strategies, all of which are working. "Reducing crime will not happen at the snap of the finger but we must reduce the number of murders and break the eco-system of crime," the Prime Minister told his audience on Tuesday, September 25.

Holness said that crime is being driven by extortion, control of turf and scamming. He said that the state of emergency that the government has put into place in sections of the country is designed to break the eco-system behind the crime situation.

The Prime Minister said that along with the states of emergency and the zones of special operation, the government has been putting into place social improvements that will allow for the improvement in the lives of the residents.

Holness said that what the government has tried to do is to use force without abuse. He noted that in the past citizens experienced abuse along with the force used to try and control crime. This, he said, gave legitimacy to dons and gangs.

The Prime Minister said that the security forces will act in the defence of citizens. Holness said that the next phase is to address the violence. This will be done by focusing on education and peace building. He also said that the government is focusing on cyber security. To this end a cyber security college will be established and he called on members of the Diaspora to help in this area.

On the economy, the Prime Minister said that his government has undertaken a fundamental shift in its approach to the economy. He noted that instead of concentrating on a shoring up of the country's exchange rate the government has allowed for a flexible rate while concentrate on poverty reduction. To this end the government has been able to hold the inflation rate at a low level.

"The government has focused on keeping prices stable," he said. The Prime Minister said a policy of import substitution is a key element of the economy policy and the country must produced things locally to meet demands. He also said that the government has also concentrated on streamlining efficiency. The aim is to produce wealth without leaving anyone behind.