National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang has said the shooting of four men in Bogue Village, Montego Bay, St. James, less than 24 hours after the State of Emergency was declared, is a prime example of criminals’ scant disregard for law and order.
Dr. Chang said the police are investigating whether the incident at a gaming outlet, which left two of the men dead, is a reprisal for a murder in Bogue Hill on Monday., May 15,2023.
In that incident, 42-year-old Robert Harvey, a JUTA tour operator of Bogue, was shot and killed when he met with another man to sell a vehicle.
According to Dr. Chang, the shootings reflect the availability of firearms in Montego Bay and the willingness of criminals to challenge the law at any time.
“The State of Public Emergency is not a perfect tool, but it has significantly impacted the level of violence around St. James, Hanover, and Clarendon. But that is one incident in which we had a tragic outcome, and it’s certainly based on the level of reprisals. And when you get that kind of activity, it’s never easy to anticipate and prevent them,” he asserted.
Minister of National Security, Dr. Horace Chang
Dr. Chang said the police in St. James had arrested suspects in several incidents, one of whom he said is a major scammer who may not be a trigger man but is critical in providing the tools for those who pull the trigger and cause violence.
He said he is pleased with the level of apprehension but noted that more killers still need to get arrested and charged.
Dr. Chang spoke with Radio Jamaica News following a tour of Norwood on Thursday, May 18, 2023.