By Glenroy Sinclair, Staff ReporterNATIONAL SECURITY Minister Dr. Peter Phillips was yesterday presented with a 'wish list' by major players in the private sector who met with him for two hours yesterday to devise plans to tackle the country's spiralling crime problem.
At the end of the meeting, a committee comprising members of the private sector, Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the National Security Ministry was established to monitor the recommendations put forward, Gleaner sources said last night.
While the private sector leaders reportedly made demands, it was not immediately clear the extent to which they were willing to fund implementation of the plan. Reports are that another meeting has been set for two weeks time to iron out the details.
According to one of the officials who attended the meeting, the business leaders are proposing that the Government immediately improve the capability of the Forensic Laboratory, which at present lacks modern ballistic equipment. Reports are that a vital piece of equipment has been malfunctioning for more than three years. It is yet to be replaced or repaired.
Also on the list is the need for a modern communication system for the police force; a management data system; the drafting of legislation and a high-tech system to track and monitor service vehicles. Improved security measures at the island's ports of entry and closer monitoring of persons arriving and departing the country were also listed.
It was also proposed that the motor vehicle fleet for the security forces be upgraded and the human resource level of the police force be augmented.
Gil Scott, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, who was also at the meeting, would neither confirm nor deny the proposals when contacted by The Gleaner yesterday.
UNAVAILABLE TO COMMENT
Michael Ammar Jnr., President of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), was unavailable to comment on the issue, when The Gleaner contacted his office. Mr. Ammar was among a group of business leaders who were in attendance at the meeting, which was held at the Ministry of National Security in Kingston.
On Tuesday Mr. Ammar circulated a press release requesting an urgent meeting with Government. The JCC president stated in the release that crime not only threatens to derail the stability of the economy, but also to plunge the nation into further crisis.
He made the call for all sectors of the society to unite in the fight against crime and violence and stressed that the private sector was ready to sit down with the authorities to devise workable strategies to take back the country from criminals.
