-PM promises ‘strong’ response as gunmen kill 8, injure 9 in Four Paths
(Jamaica Gleaner) Laughter and excitement morphed into cries of sorrow in Cherry Tree Lane, Four Paths, in Clarendon on Sunday night, when a bingo party turned into unimaginable carnage, after gunmen reportedly unleashed a hail of bullets, killing at least eight people, including a young boy.
Nine other people were shot.
A baby is said to be among the victims hospitalised in the incident that has been described as senseless and brutal.
In a statement released after midnight, Jamaica House indicated that Prime Minister Andrew Holness had called a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) for yesterday at 9 a.m.
“I condemn this reprehensible, brutal and senseless attack which resulted in several people in Clarendon being killed,” Holness was quoted as saying in the release. “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.”
Earlier, Dr Horace Chang, minister of national security, indicated that Sunday night’s mass killing might be connected to reprisal activities and urged the police to “utilise every resource to apprehend perpetrators swiftly”.
Chang emphasised Government support for the community and law enforcement, adding that even with a reduction in crime in the central parish, the latest incident underscored the ongoing crime fight.
“We are committed to supporting the community and our dedicated police officers as they work tirelessly to bring those responsible for this heinous act to justice. The police have made significant progress in Clarendon, with a 39 per cent reduction in murders compared to last year. However, incidents like this remind us that our work is far from over,” Chang’s statement continued.
When contacted by The Gleaner, Lothan Cousins, member of parliament for Clarendon South Western, had few words, saying the incident has left him “numb”.
“I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident. What is worse is the attack on the lives of innocent women and children. I strongly condemn these callous actions, and stand prepared to assist the Jamaica Constabulary Force in any way possible,” said Cousins.
The incident hauntingly echoes a series of devastating events in the parish, including the September 2021 quadruple murder in Havanna Heights; the June 2022 brutal killing of a mother and her four children in Cocoa Piece; and the October 2023 quadruple murder in Summerfield.
