The Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry has commissioned a second comprehensive study on crime in the parish.

President Oral Heaven made the announcement at the weekend.

He said the second study will serve as a compass to shed light on the intricate factors contributing to crime in St. James.

He referred to the current imposition of the State of Emergency, saying it is the second one that has been implemented in 3 weeks.

Mr Heaven believes this underscores the gravity of the crime situation in the parish.

Meantime Custos of St. James, Bishop Conard Pitkin added that crime and violence in St. James must be addressed collaboratively.

They were speaking recently at a Crime Forum under the theme “Understanding Crime in St. James, Exploring the Root Cause and Social Intervention Strategies”.