PRIME Minister Andrew Holness has reiterated his Administration’s plan to integrate peace-building as part of the strategy to further reduce the country’s crime rate.

While not providing details of how this will be done, Holness said working with entities such as The Art of Living Foundation — a volunteer-based, humanitarian and educational, non-governmental organisation with centres in some 180 countries — is a step in that direction.

“As a Government we are making significant strides in combating crime in Jamaica through equipping and strengthening our security forces as well as through community development.

“We understand that the long-term sustainable solution to the issue of crime requires addressing the root cause of violence in our society,” said Holness during a short function at Jamaica House last Friday to officially sign an agreement for cooperation with The Art of Living Foundation whose founder, Indian peace envoy Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is on a visit to Jamaica.

According to Holness, it will require deliberate social intervention, training in dispute resolution, and initiatives to improve mental wellness to achieve peace in Jamaica.

He noted that as part of the strategy to reduce crime the Government has invested heavily in strategies to investigate, detect and deter criminal activities.

“Now is the time to invest in building peace — and that starts with the individual,” declared Holness.

“It is about getting the person right; getting their mental state correct; getting them at one with the environment, with their neighbours, and with themselves,” added Holness as he charged that one of the things needed in Jamaica is a return of mutual respect for each other.

As at December 7, official statistics from Jamaica Constabulary Force showed a 14 per cent reduction in major crimes this year when compared to the same period last year.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness (left) walks alongside internationally revered spiritual leader, humanitarian, and peace ambassador, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar during a meeting at Jamaica House on December 13. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)