Prime Minister Andrew Holness has suggested that the creation of a new government ministry that specifically focuses on crime and violence, could be one way of tackling the problem.

He was responding to comments from other members of the Lower House on Tuesday, as they collectively condemned the killing of a man and 2 boys in Salt Spring St James.

The MP’s on both sides of the aisle, all expressed the need for crime and violence to be brought under control, for the mental health of victims to be addressed and for more social intervention that will result in a culture shift towards the use of non-violent conflict resolution methods.

Mr. Holness noted the work being done by the National Violence Prevention Commission, which is expected to submit a report by year end.

He said what’s required, is a dedicated institutional framework to treat with violence in the society.

He however lamented, that any effort to bring about a change in the culture and attitude towards violence, will be met with backlash.