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The National Security Policy (full document)
The foremost responsibility of Government is to provide a secure and safe environment conducive to the well-being of its citizens and the development of the country. We face as a nation, the monumental task of ridding our country of crime and violence. In addressing this most urgent matter, the Government is aware that national security and encompasses many factors other than domestic crime and violence. However, by addressing the multifaceted aspects of national security, crime and violence should also be contained.
This document presents the Government’s overarching policies on national security matters. It was developed through a process of a strategic environmental analysis relating to security, describing the threats that work against the full achievement of the country’s security goals, determining Jamaica’s security priorities in relation to the capabilities and policies required to counter those threats, and establishing the responsibilities, structures, and setting out timelines for implementation.
Careful attention has been given to providing enough details for implementers to have sufficient guidance to understand their responsibilities and how they relate to others. The National Security Policy (NSP) aims to enhance co-ordination and cooperation among the various ministries and national security agencies.
Whilst maintaining its sovereignty, Jamaica will continue to meet its international obligations and play its full role in contributing to the security and development of its partners in the Caribbean, Americas and the global community. This includes providing for substantial linkages with the evolving CARICOM security initiatives endorsed by the Heads of Government in July 2005, and bilateral and multilateral security arrangements. Together with such partners, it aims to eradicate transnational organised crime, illicit trafficking and international terrorism and move towards international peace and sustainable development.
Most ministries and agencies have direct or supporting roles in implementing and sustaining this security policy. Thus, the Ministry of National Security (MNS) will not lead on all aspects of the NSP implementation, as some of the capabilities that impact on security are outside the scope of the MNS.
Concerted action across Government is essential for effective implementation of the NSP. Further, notwithstanding Government’s role and responsibility to secure the nation, this cannot be achieved without the same commitment from every citizen of Jamaica. Now is the time for us to make a stand together.
In fulfilling the foremost responsibility of providing for a secure and safe environment conducive to the well-being of the citizens and the development of the country, the Government is committed to making all reasonable efforts to provide the necessary resources, the strategic guidance, policies and legislation as determined by the NSP and supporting analyses. It is up to all of us as citizens to play our part in ensuring the safe and secure environment for which we yearn.