Jamaica declares state of emergency as hurricane moves on

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KINGSTON, Aug 20 (AFP): Hurricane Dean crept into the northwestern Caribbean Sea early Monday after unleashing its fury on Jamaica, prompting its government to declare a state of emergency.
The state of emergency will continue for a period of 30 days, but can be lifted any time during this period, according to an announcement made by the prime minister's office.
Under the decree, the security forces are given wider powers to deal with criminal elements.
The announcement came late Sunday, after the Jamaica Constabulary Force reported several looting incidents across the island.
The situation will be reviewed at an emergency meeting of the Jamaican cabinet Monday, said Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller.