In a significant move to enhance Jamaica’s fight against organized crime, the Senate has officially endorsed the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (Amendment of First Schedule) Order. This legislation will enable the agency to investigate a wider array of serious offenses, thus expanding its jurisdiction and operational capabilities.
Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, led the discussion during the Senate’s recent session, highlighting the critical role that the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) plays in safeguarding the nation. She emphasized that the amendment is pivotal for refining the agency’s investigative reach, ultimately contributing to a stronger security framework in Jamaica.
The newly approved order modifies the first schedule of the MOCA Act, allowing the agency to target a broader range of criminal offenses associated with organized crime. Among the legislation from which offenses will be drawn are the Larceny Act of 1942, the Forgery Act of 1942, the Criminal Justice and Administration Act of 2014, the Road Traffic Act of 2018, and several others, including recent laws like the Firearms Prohibition Restriction and Regulation Act of 2022.
“The unique establishment of MOCA as the first agency of its kind in Jamaica marks a turning point in our approach to law enforcement,” stated Senator Johnson Smith. She noted the impressive track record of the agency, reporting that from January 2020 to the present, MOCA has executed around 98 targeted operations, leading to the arrests of 85 individuals, with 84 facing formal charges.
The Minister reassured the public that the government remains committed to continuously evaluating and updating laws to ensure they meet the evolving demands of the security forces. This legislative development is part of an ongoing strategy to combat crime and violence effectively and protect the welfare of the Jamaican people.
