Security Threat Forces Evacuations as Government Workers Cast Their Ballots Ahead of Election

Jamaica Live News Desk– | Aug 29, 2025

Kingston, Jamaica – Authorities are investigating a security threat that warned of possible attacks on multiple government agencies, law enforcement sources have confirmed.

The threat, communicated via an email to the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), prompted an immediate security response and the evacuation of several government offices. Among those affected were staff at PICA, the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, and the National Housing Trust (NHT).

On Friday, the NHT’s New Kingston office was evacuated following reports of a threat, while police vehicles were seen stationed outside PICA’s Half-Way Tree offices in St. Andrew.

According to sources, the email warned that “other agencies will be targeted,” but it did not specify which entities, nor did it provide a motive. The timing of the threats has raised concerns, as they came on the same day members of the security forces and election day workers cast their ballots ahead of next Wednesday’s General Election.

In a statement, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) confirmed that specialised teams have been deployed and that “the necessary security protocols are being enforced to protect employees, the public, and critical services.”

The JCF emphasised that all threats will be treated with “the utmost urgency” and urged institutions and citizens to remain vigilant, exercise caution, and report suspicious activity to the police at 119.

“Making a security threat is not only criminal, but reckless and disruptive,” the JCF warned, adding that law enforcement will pursue every lead to identify and hold those responsible accountable.

The situation remains under active investigation, with security agencies maintaining a heightened presence at several key government facilities.