PRIME Minister Andrew Holness, in his Emancipation Day message, has stressed the importance of safety for all Jamaicans, even as critics and supporters of the Government's latest crime -fighting strategy eagerly await the declaration of the first Zones of Special Operation (ZOSO) under the recently passed law.

No citizen who is paying extortion fees to open his little shop or to run his licensed taxi is enjoying the fruits of Emancipation. Our ancestors did not fight for our freedom only to have it snatched away by criminals who would keep us locked in our homes while they roam the streets freely to do evil. No, the Jamaican people deserve their full freedom. They deserve peace and security. Our children must be free to study at nights and not be terrified by gunshots. They must be free to attend school in the day and go to extra classes in the late afternoon without any fear whatsoever, Holness stated

He remarked further that emancipated communities are safe zones, where residents enjoy all the civil liberties enshrined in democratic society. He added that emancipation cannot be sustainable without economic growth, which means that people have access to work, education, health care, housing and adequate community amenities. Economic freedom has to accompany political freedom. Civil liberties are limited without economic opportunity, Holness said.

The prime minister, in emphasising the link between Emancipation and economic liberty and the importance of the rule of law, said: Today, we carry on that mandate of advancing economic liberty, while protecting and promoting the rule of law, in the interest of the people.

Leader of the Opposition Dr Peter Phillips, in his message, said Jamaicans must never forget the sacrifices and the efforts of their ancestors to build a Jamaica that offers opportunity for all, and where families and communities live in harmony free from crime, corruption and oppression.

He said Emancipation Day should be recognised as the bedrock on which ordinary Jamaicans with extraordinary bravery and vision forced the refashioning of the country's cultural, social, economic and political arrangements.

The examples of our freedom fighters must inspire us to assert our rights to live in a Jamaica that provides social justice and equality of opportunity, to housing, security, good health care, quality education, training, and a chance for personal progress and fulfilment, he said.

This year's activities in observance of Jamaica's 55th year of independence from British rule, are being celebrated under the theme Celebrating Jamaicans at Home and Abroad between July 29 and August 7.

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PM: Ancestors did not fight for freedom only to have it snatched away by criminals - Jamaica Observer