The recent state of emergency (SOE) declared in sections of St. Andrew South has sparked a call for deeper, long-term strategies from Dr. Angela Brown Burke, Member of Parliament for St. Andrew South Western. The SOE, announced in response to escalating violence in areas such as Maxfield Avenue, Waltham Park Road, and Waterhouse, has brought both relief and concern to affected communities.
Dr. Brown Burke, while recognizing the need for immediate measures to curb violence, voiced reservations about the broader reliance on SOEs as a crime management tool. “An SOE is not a panacea for the deep-seated issues we face. It provides temporary relief, but it doesn’t solve the systemic problems that breed crime,” she stated during an interview.
The MP emphasized that addressing crime requires more than policing. “We need to tackle the root causes — poverty, lack of education, and limited opportunities — to create a safer and more equitable society,” she said.
Mixed Reactions Across Communities
Residents across Dr. Brown Burke’s constituency have expressed varying responses to the SOE. In communities like Whitfield Town and Cockburn Pen, the measure has been welcomed as a necessary intervention. “People in these areas have endured unimaginable levels of violence. For them, the SOE feels like a lifeline,” she observed.
However, in Greenwich Town, where crime rates have been comparatively low, there is frustration. “Small business owners recently advocated for longer operational hours due to their community’s calm. For them, this feels like a step backward,” Dr. Brown Burke said.
A Plea for Comprehensive Change
Dr. Brown Burke also highlighted the emotional toll on residents, many of whom yearn for stability. “Every parent wants to feel their child is safe coming home from school. Every worker deserves to walk home without fear,” she shared. She stressed that while the SOE may temporarily alleviate fears, it must be accompanied by a robust plan to rebuild trust and opportunity in affected areas.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Brown Burke reiterated her call for sustainable solutions. “This can’t be another band-aid. We need a framework that prioritizes development, education, and economic empowerment. The cycle of violence won’t end until we address its core,” she declared.
As the SOE takes effect, the MP hopes the government will take the opportunity to invest in long-term strategies that uplift communities and provide residents with the peace they deserve.
