National Security Policy for Jamaica
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i TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary ..........................................................................................................................iii A Vision for National Security for Jamaica ....................................................................................viii CHAPTER ONE: – STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS..............................................1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................1 Setting the context..............................................................................................................................2 The impact of international geo-politics ............................................................................................3 The global economy ...........................................................................................................................3 Transnational & organised crime .......................................................................................................4 Domestic political maturity and human, social and economic development .....................................5 Global environmental hazards and disasters ......................................................................................5 Summary of Jamaica’s security concerns ..........................................................................................6 CHAPTER TWO: – THREATS TO JAMAICA’S NATIONAL SECURITY .................................8 Threats relating to crime.....................................................................................................................8 Terrorism..........................................................................................................................................15 Military and paramilitary threats......................................................................................................17 Disasters & unsustainable loss of natural resources.........................................................................18 Socio-economic threats ....................................................................................................................19 Key capabilities ................................................................................................................................26 CHAPTER THREE: – THE STRATEGY.........................................................................................28 The Approach...................................................................................................................................28 Strategic Security Goals for Jamaica................................................................................................29 Cross-cutting issues..........................................................................................................................29 Special Security Initiatives...............................................................................................................32 Action plan for Strategic Security Goals..........................................................................................38 Goal 1 - To Reduce Violent Crime and Dismantle Organised Criminal Networks..........................39 Goal 2 - To Strengthen the Justice System and Promote Respect for the Rule of Law ....................46 Goal 3 - To Protect Jamaica from Terrorism...................................................................................53 Goal 4 -To Protect and Control Jamaica’s Territory ......................................................................58 Goal 5 - To Strengthen the Integrity of Institutions of Democratic Government.............................65 Goal 6 -To Increase Jamaica’s Contribution to Regional and International Security ....................70 Goal 7- To Provide the Environment for a Stable Economy and Effective Delivery of Social Services.................................................................................................................................75 Goal 8 - To Protect Jamaica’s Natural Resources and Reduce the Risk of Disasters.....................83 CHAPTER 4: – COORDINATING AND MONITORING MECHANISMS.................................89 Conceptual framework .....................................................................................................................89 National Security Strategy Implementation Unit .............................................................................90 Specific Mechanisms........................................................................................................................91 Coordination of intelligence.............................................................................................................91 Enhancing programmes to promote community safety and security ...............................................92 ii The public’s involvement in implementing the NSP .......................................................................92 Funding priorities .............................................................................................................................93 REFERENCES .....................................................................................................................................94 GLOSSARY ..........................................................................................................................................95 ACRONYMS.........................................................................................................................................97 ANNEX A ................................................................................................................................................ I METHODOLOGY FOR NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT ......................I ANNEX B ..............................................................................................................................................III COMMITTEES................................................................................................................................III ANNEX C ........................................................................................................................................... IX STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTED..................................................................................................IX ANNEX D ...........................................................................................................................................XIII JAMAICA’S FUTURE SECURITY SECTOR AND COORDINATING MECHANISM ......... XIII iii Executive Summary 1. Security is a public good to be delivered by the State through its agents and institutions. The vision of the Government of Jamaica for national security is to establish a safe and secure environment in which it can focus on achieving a prosperous, democratic, peaceful, just and dynamic society which upholds the fulfillment of human rights, dignity for all, and build continual social progress based on shared values and principles of partnership. In essence, the vision is for all Jamaicans to enjoy a better quality of life and realise their full potential. 2. National security issues greatly affect the nation’s chances of achieving its social and economic goals, including ensuring human security for its people. These issues also have local, regional and international dimensions. Jamaica competes in a global economy that demands that our goods and services be internationally competitive. Open trading practices must be embraced and the smooth transit of goods and movement of persons facilitated through our ports. 3. The trading systems are at risk from illicit movement and proliferation of small arms and light weapons. The trafficking of arms and ammunition is also known to be an integral element of the illegal drug trade. This is of particular concern, because it has a direct bearing on the level of violence and crimes involving assault and, a parallel system of enforcement based upon the use of unlawful force has developed to protect the lucrative gains from these illegal activities. Not only has the level of violent crime increased over time, but the pattern has also changed and a higher degree of organisation and coordination has emerged. 4. Over the decades, the police-community relationship has broken down and an unhealthy mutual distrust prevails, with the frequent cry of “we want justice” coming from citizens. The increased frequency of mob killings is indicative of the worrying lack of trust or confidence in our justice system and respect for the law. 5. The country is also grappling with an extremely high homicide rate. These homicides are concentrated in known areas, but the phenomenon of murderous conflicts is robbing Jamaica of thousands of citizens in their prime. The continuous growth in the number of violent incidents causes many Jamaicans at home to live in fear, and influences those in the Diaspora to abandon their dream of resettling on the ‘rock’. It is now conceded that Jamaica has spawned a culture of violence in its most negative form, which is abhorrent to its values and stands in the way of every kind of social progress. These developments and the breakdown of social mores have led to a widespread disrespect for the Rule of Law and the value of human life. 6. Essentially, threats to Jamaica include those relating to crime, terrorism, military and paramilitary concerns,