Murders spark emergency security meeting in Jamaica

Prime Minister Andrew Holness called an early Monday meeting of his security advisers after eight people were killed in overnight violence in the central-southern District of Clarendon just weeks after 24 people were killed in gun violence in a single week late last month.

Facing a general election next year with his governing Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) trailing in the polls, Holness urged police and soldiers to relentlessly pursue those behind the attacks that had also seriously injured nine. Authorities have hinted that the deaths might have been related to gang violence which has been plaguing the tourism paradise for decades and has been the bugbear of nearly every government since independence in 1962.

“I condemn this reprehensible, brutal and senseless attack which resulted in several people in Clarendon being killed. I extend my deepest condolences to all families who are affected by this tragedy. I have spoken to the police high command and advised that all efforts must be extended to bring the perpetrators to justice, as quickly as possible. The Jamaican state will not countenance such savagery being meted out to our people. We will respond strongly,” he continued.

The PM said that the government has every intention of intensifying efforts to target and tackle gangs in Jamaica causing blood and mayhem as he noted that “we will not relent in efforts to reduce criminality and we will not surrender our society to criminals. I wish to assure the nation that my government will continue to pursue a multi-faceted approach as we support the security forces in the bid to further successfully reduce violent crime.”

In the days before superstorm Beryl made landfall in Jamaica in early July, 24 people were killed in a week mostly in the capital of Kingston and nearby areas. Security Minister Horace Chang says gangs might be paying back each other for fracases which had occurred in recent years. “I urge the police to utilize every available resource and power to apprehend the perpetrators swiftly. To the people of Clarendon and Jamaica, please remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement as we work together to ensure the safety and security of our communities,” Chang said.

The latest mass murders in Jamaica come as a string of neighboring CARICOM member states are also tackling gang violence. Regional leaders say they plan to hold a special security, crime and violence summit in Barbados in the coming weeks to follow on one held in Trinidad early last year.

The Jamaica murders have occurred as authorities battle to maintain a 17 percent reduction in violent crime this year.