The Opposition has welcomed today’s court ruling that the government’s repeated use of states of emergency (SOE) between 2018 and 2023 was unconstitutional.

The People’s National Party has long argued that the multiple and extended use of SOEs as a routine crime fighting tool is a violation of the constitution’s extraordinary emergency powers.

Opposition Leader and PNP President Mark Golding said the ruling indicates that the government is not above the constitution.

He said the ruling is a win for the rule of law, justice, democracy and the people of Jamaica.

Golding again stressed that the crime problem can be addressed with appropriate policing strategies, and without suspending freedoms under the guise of public safety.