In response to two violent attacks on Sunday that resulted in eight deaths and nine injuries, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has declared a 14-day state of emergency in the southern parish of Clarendon.

The violence began with a mass shooting at a birthday party in Cherry Tree Lane, where seven people were killed. The eighth victim died in a separate shooting incident. Among the deceased was a seven-year-old boy, and a one-year-old was also injured.

The government has not yet detailed the specific measures to be implemented under the state of emergency. However, such measures typically include nightly curfews, extended detention periods without formal charges, and increased police powers to conduct property searches without warrants.

Holness emphasized the need for a focused response to gang violence, stating at a press conference, “This is an opportunity for the government to mobilize fully to have a very serious focus on gangs. We cannot allow murders to be normalized in our country.” He expressed concerns about potential retaliation and highlighted intelligence reports indicating a high likelihood of reprisals.

Acting Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey reported that the government’s response has been prompt, with five individuals already arrested and an illegal firearm confiscated. Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang attributed the violence to an escalating turf war between gangs. Chang noted that a previous state of emergency in Clarendon in November 2023 led to a 50% reduction in shootings.

Prime Minister Holness vowed to address the gang issue decisively, characterizing the recent violence as organized crime and “an act of terror.” He promised to leave “no stone unturned” and collaborate with international partners to target those abroad who are involved in supporting or financing criminal activities in Jamaica.

Jamaica’s struggle with violence has been underscored by a recent study from Insight Crime, which ranked Jamaica as the second-deadliest country in the Latin American and Caribbean region, with a homicide rate of 60.9 per 100,000 people. Only St. Kitts and Nevis has a higher rate.

Holness acknowledged progress in reducing the number of active gangs from 400 to 185 over the past five years but deemed the current figures still “very high.”

On a broader scale, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) has voiced concern over the rising violence and crime in the region. Regional leaders have committed to enhancing law enforcement efforts and curbing the influx of illegal firearms, with U.S. data indicating that approximately 87% of guns traced in the Caribbean originate from the United States.