KINGSTON, Jamaica – Presiding Bishop of the Christian Holiness Church in Jamaica, Alvin Bailey, is of the view that the recent directive to members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force to “shoot to kill” is a sign of desperation.

Bailey’s comment comes on the heels of Minister of National Security Horace Chang’s indication to members of the police force that they should “shoot to kill” when approached by gunmen.

Bailey argued that Chang’s remark is a sign of desperation that is consistent with his continued poor performance and bankrupt policies to fight crime and violence.

“It is very clear that he cannot manage the portfolio, so the decent thing to do is resign, or the Prime Minister should reassign him to another post,” he said.

“At this time in our society, with calculated brutal and senseless killings, our constituted authorities cannot advance policies that promote the current rapidly evolving culture of disregard for law and order.”

“Therefore, such a statement shows gross insensitivity and disregard for human rights. Persons in government, in particular the national security and the judiciary cannot let this seemingly uncontrollable and unabated trend of crime and violence make them irrational in speech, or in the execution of their fiduciary responsibilities,” Bailey added.

Instead, he outlined that the government must resume engagements with the established stakeholders on crime and violence and consider implementing plans being proposed by the Crime Consensus Monitoring Oversight Committee.

“I would also submit that a consultative commission, comprising retired high ranking police officers and judges could be useful in the national efforts and strategies to fight crime in Jamaica,” he underscored.