Police ramped up at home of Prime Minister Holness after ‘security threat’

An alleged bomb threat at the home of Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness last evening prompted the security forces to increase their presence in the Beverly Hills area of St. Andrew.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) clarified reports of an unusual police presence near his private residence.

A statement from the constabulary late on Wednesday evening said in full:

“The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is aware of reports currently circulating on social media alleging that a police raid is underway at the private residence of Prime Minister, Dr The Most Honourable Andrew Holness. We categorically state that these reports are false.

“There is, however, an active police presence in the surrounding community and vicinity of the prime minister’s residence. This deployment was initiated in response to credible intelligence gathered by the JCF, indicating a legitimate security threat to the prime minister and his household.

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“The swift and effective action by our officers successfully repelled this threat, and we continue to maintain a presence at the location in line with standard security protocols.

“The JCF remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, particularly in moments where intelligence suggests heightened risks.

“We urge members of the public to refrain from sharing unverified information, and to stay informed (on police matters) through official JCF channels.

“We will provide further updates as necessary.”

JCF clarifies fake image of PM

In a related matter, the JCF also debunked a doctored image circulating on social media falsely claiming that the Prime Minister is a subject of the JCF’s “Wanted Wednesdays” campaign, which highlights criminals wanted by the police.

The JCF, in a statement on Wednesday, condemned the fake image, describing it as “malicious content” designed to undermine the force’s crime-fighting efforts.

“We categorically state that this image is fake and does not originate from the JCF or any of its official channels,” the JCF declared.

“We strongly distance ourselves from this kind of malicious content which undermines our crime-fighting efforts and the integrity of the Wanted Wednesdays initiative,” it added.

According to the JCF, it considers this incident as “a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and divert attention from the real purpose of our campaign, which is to bring criminals to justice and ensure public safety.”

The constabulary urged persons to desist from sharing or posting the misleading content any further.