Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced the reimposition of states of emergency (SOEs) in some parishes.

The enhanced security measure has been imposed in St Ann, Clarendon, St Catherine, Kingston and St Andrew, Hanover, St James, and Westmoreland and took effect at midnight.

The measure which has been reinstated 4 times in 6 months, sees the addition of the St. Andrew North Police Division.

Speaking at a press conference this morning (December 28), Prime Minister Holness said while there have been some successes in the reduction of murders leading up to the Christmas season, the threat level to citizens and businesses remains high.

Noting that 127 murders were recorded in December last year, Mr Holness said the SOEs were implemented to prevent this from recurring.

He added that the Government remains committed to working on legislation to address crime.