CURFEWS IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH CLARENDON AND SOUTH AND NORTHERN ST. CATHERINE – Magnetic Media

Fitz Bailey

Kingston, Jamaica, August 14, 2024 – Extended curfews have been imposed in Central and South Clarendon, and in South and North St Catherine, where gangs operate together.

This follows the deadly shooting that left eight people dead and nine injured in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon, on August 11.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Mr. Dr. Horace Chang, gave details at a press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office today (August 12).

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

He said that the number of murders in Clarendon has decreased by 39 percent this year, thanks to intensive cooperation between all parts of the security services.

Antonette Wemyss-Gorman

Dr. Chang noted that the death of one child and the injury of another in the shooting is particularly traumatic for 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 identified areas. They will have the full support of the government,” the minister said.

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

Meanwhile, Chief of the Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, said the incident in Clarendon warranted special attention from security forces.

Horace Chang

“Therefore, in addition to all the ongoing anti-gang task force operations and other security operations, I have appointed a specific team to deal 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.

According to Deputy Police Chief Fitz Bailey, preliminary investigation indicates the attackers used high-powered firearms indiscriminately.

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

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

He added that police are pursuing a number of theories and lines of investigation into the incident and that police will ensure that there is minimal reprisal.

CONTACT: LATONYA LINTON

CAPTION:

1st insertion: Deputy Police Chief Fitz Bailey will hold an emergency press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office in Kingston today (August 12).

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

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

ADRIAN WALKER PHOTOS