Prime Minister Andrew Holness, says only 12 murders were recorded in the first five days of the recently declared, States of Public Emergency (SOEs).

On November 15, the SOEs were implemented in Clarendon, St. Catherine north and south, St. James, Westmoreland, Hanover, St. Andrew south and Kingston west, east and central, in response to an increase in criminal activities and public disorder.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday (November 22), just before MPs voted on the extension of the SOEs, Mr Holness noted that since the implementation of the security measure, Jamaica recorded a decline in the murders recorded in a week.

He pointed out that the 12 murders recorded, were the lowest in years.