Government plans review of seven ZOSOs before peace-zone transition

The Government is preparing a wide-ranging study of the island’s seven Zones of Special Operations, working alongside major partners as it looks to reshape the areas into zones of peace and opportunity.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace Dr Horace Chang told the House of Representatives on Wednesday that the assessment should give policymakers stronger evidence on how the security measures have performed. "This research will provide the Government with a robust empirical understanding of the effectiveness of the zones. It will allow us to determine what has worked, what has not and how best to scale the most effective elements across the country," Chang said.

He said the Inter-American Development Bank will support the exercise through grant financing. The work is slated to start in July, with a feasibility study as the first step.

Chang said the review will examine the cost and value of the zones, rank the programmes that bring the highest social return, and look at possible dangers, unexpected effects and challenges in carrying out the measures. It will also assess longer-term social and environmental results.

The findings are expected to help shape how the proposed zones of peace are designed and run, forming the next stage after the ZOSO model.

Chang said the administration is relying on evidence to guide its work in making communities safer, stronger and more resilient. "Peace is not dependent on permanent police/military presence but sustained through opportunity, inclusion and development," he said.

Opposition Leader Mark Golding welcomed the planned study and the move toward zones of peace. He also backed the House’s approval of another 180 days for the seven ZOSOs, which had been due to end on June 22.

The extension runs to December 19 and covers Denham Town in Kingston; Norwood and Mount Salem in St James; Greenwich Town, Parade Gardens and August Town in St Andrew; and Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland.

Chang said the ZOSOs are still producing important gains for some of Jamaica’s most at-risk communities. "Serious crimes have been reduced in these communities and across the country, and we have simultaneously strengthened the Government’s border security programme," he said.