The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) yesterday demanded that the Government share with the country its approach to curb the escalating crime wave.

However, Prime Minister Bruce Golding is insisting that the development of a crime plan is not the remit of his administration, but that of the police.

National Security Minister Colonel Trevor MacMillan has also said the police have responsibility for the crime plan.

Questioned last night about his approach, Police Commissioner Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin referred to the five-point initiative, including community policing and the targeting criminal networks, which he announced shortly after assuming the post in December.

Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller has described the prime minister's remarks as "careless and reckless".

She charged that the prime minister has a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the nation.

Double standards

Simpson Miller accused Golding of double standards, saying he criticised former National Security Minister Dr Peter Phillips for the number of murders committed during his tenure.

Speaking during his monthly radio call-in programme 'Jamaica House Live' on Wednesday night, Golding said it was the job of his administration to provide leadership, policy direction and the resources needed to fight crime.

"Under the law, the amendment to Section 2 of the Jamaica Constabulary Force Act gives the commissioner total control over operational matters," Golding said.

This week alone, gunmen have unleashed a wave of terror on Jamaicans in a number of communities leaving a trail of death. This has pushed the murder toll closer to the 700 mark since the start of the year.

Impact on business

The PSOJ, in a release yesterday, said: "Jamaica's murder rate is among the highest in the world and is having a significant impact on business, in particular tourism, and labour productivity".

Recommending key interventions that could be undertaken now, the PSOJ said the Government should revisit the Road Map to a Safe and Secure Jamaica, a response spearheaded by MacMillan.