reiterated his government's commitment to reversing the trend.

Among the decisions taken at yesterday morning's high-level meeting which involved the heads of the Jamaica Defence Force and the Jamaica Constabulary Force, was the intensification of the joint military/police task force that was established last December.

Lawmen will also increase their presence in all communities and maintain a zero tolerance approach to minor offences, including noise nuisance, possession of marijuana and traffic offences. They have also been directed to fast track plans to make greater use of intelligence to apprehend criminals.

The Prime Minister and security heads also announced that all firearm-related murder investigations in the corporate area will be taken

over by the Major Investigation Task Force. (CMC)