KINGSTON, Jamaica – Government will carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the country’s seven Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs) as it moves towards transitioning them into “zones of peace and opportunity,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace Dr Horace Chang has said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace Dr Horace Chang made the announcement in the House of Representatives. (Photo credit: JIS)Dr Chang told the House of Representatives that the review will be supported by grant funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and is expected to begin in July, starting with a feasibility assessment.
“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,” he said.
He said the evaluation will examine the financial costs and benefits of the ZOSOs, assess initiatives with the greatest social value, identify risks and implementation challenges, and analyse long-term social and environmental outcomes.
The findings are expected to inform the design of the proposed “zones of peace,” which the Government says will represent the long-term evolution of the current security intervention model.
Dr Chang said the Government remains committed to evidence-based decision-making in its approach to community safety and development.
“Peace is not dependent on permanent police/military presence but sustained through opportunity, inclusion and development,” he said.
The announcement was welcomed by Opposition Leader Mark Golding, who said he supported efforts to assess the effectiveness of the programme and explore its future direction.
“You’ve indicated [that] you’re looking to transition to something a bit different… I welcome that… and you’re doing some database analysis as to how they’ve worked over the time that you’ve deployed them, which is also very good. We are looking forward to seeing the results of that,” Golding said.
Lawmakers also approved a further 180-day extension of the seven ZOSOs, which are set to expire on June 22. The extension now runs until December 19, 2026, covering communities including 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.
Dr Chang said the Zones continue to deliver measurable benefits in affected communities, pointing to reductions in serious crime since their introduction.
“Since the first Zone was declared in Mount Salem in September 2017, we have made significant and measurable progress. 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.
Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie also supported the continuation of the initiative, citing improvements in community safety and relations with law enforcement.
“The community of Denham Town is a better community today [because of] the Zone of Special Operations. Despite a few incidents… the community has benefited significantly from that intervention,” McKenzie said.
He said relations between residents and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have improved in areas where ZOSOs have been implemented, particularly in Denham Town.
The Government says the planned transition to zones of peace will build on the outcomes of the current framework as part of a broader strategy to strengthen community development and public safety.
