CURFEWS IN CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN CLARENDON AND SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN ST. CATHERINE

Fitz Bailey

Kingston, Jamaica, August 14, 2024 – Extensive areas of curfews have been imposed across Central and Southern Clarendon, as well as Southern and Northern St. Catherine where gangs collaborate.

This follows the fatal shooting of eight persons and the injuring of nine in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon, on August 11.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, gave details during a press briefing held at the Office of the Prime Minister, today (August 12).

“This incident comes at a time when the security forces have been doing extensive work in these areas. In fact, in all the three police divisions there have been significant reductions in homicides,” Dr. Chang said.

He stated that Clarendon enjoys a 39 per cent reduction in homicides this year, reflecting hard coordinated work between all elements of the security forces.

Antonette Wemyss-Gorman

Dr. Chang noted that the death of one child and the injuring of another in the shooting is particularly traumatic to the community.

“We value the lives of our children. All elements of the security forces, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), supported by MOCA (Major Organised Crime & Anti-Corruption Agency), will be mobilised, led by the police force in the areas identified. They will have the full support of the Government,” the Minister said.

“We will find, apprehend, disrupt and degrade the criminal gangs. The social support services of government will also be brought to bear in the relevant community of Cherry Tree Lane and across areas where the gangs have taken action to disrupt the lives of our citizens,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, said the occurrence in Clarendon merits special attention by the security forces.

Horace Chang

“Consequently, in addition to all the ongoing anti-gang task force operations and other security operations, I have directed a specific team to treat with this particular incident. They will assist the JCF in conducting special and targeted operations to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” the Chief of Defence Staff said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Fitz Bailey, said preliminary investigations suggest that the attackers used high-powered firearms indiscriminately.

He said the team is working tirelessly to identify the perpetrators and their motives.

“We have deployed additional resources to the affected area to maintain order, provide support to the victims’ families and ensure the community’s safety,” Mr. Bailey said.

He added that the police are following a number of theories and lines of enquiry into the incident, while adding that the police will ensure to mitigate any forms of reprisals.

CONTACT: LATONYA LINTON

CAPTIONS: 

1st insert: Deputy Commissioner of Police, Fitz Bailey, addresses an emergency press conference, held today (August 12) at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston.

2nd insert: Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, speaks at an emergency press conference, held today (August 12) at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston.

3rd insert: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, addresses an emergency press conference, held today (August 12) at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston.

ADRIAN WALKER PHOTOS