The government has signalled its intention to seek consensus with the opposition People’s National Party on the matter of the States of Emergency, SOEs, next year.

The enhanced security measure has been declared several times this year, resulting in concern being raised by the opposition and other stakeholders about its effectiveness.

Among the area of concerns, is whether the measure has resulted in human rights violations.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has repeatedly said that the SOE is an immediate tool, used in a targeted way to reduce murders.

Regarding the concerns, he added that the authorities are getting closer to the SOE being what he called a refined tool.

Responding to questions after declaring the latest round of SOEs in St. Ann, Clarendon, St. Catherine, Kingston and St. Andrew, Hanover, St. James, and Westmoreland this morning, Mr. Holness reiterated that the importance of the measures.

He said while the government will do what is necessary to protect Jamaicans, steps will be taken in the new year, to arrive at an agreement with the opposition regarding SOE’s.