The Police High Command reports that they have so far arrested three of the more than a dozen persons of interest sought in connection with the Walker’s Avenue arson and murder attack on Saturday, July 12, 2023.
According to Stephanie Lindsay, Senior Superintendent and head of the JCF’s Corporate Communications Unit, the security forces have made a breakthrough in their investigations.
The police arrested the men on Wednesday, July 16, during the security forces’ multiple operations in the Gregory Park environs.
“So far, [police] are looking at some 13 persons considered persons of interest in the Gregory Park incident. And at the end of the operations, we can report that the police have taken 18 persons in custody, two of which we charged with breaches of the Firearms Act–stemming from the seizure of two firearms. The police also arrested three of the persons named as persons of interest concerning the Walker’s Avenue arson and gun attack.”
Stephanie Lindsay
SSP Lindsay said the persons of interest are
being interrogated as the police continue their investigations.
She said the security forces would maintain a presence in the community to reassure residents.
Bunting said citizens must hold the government accountable for the crime situation.
Opposition Spokesman for National Security, Senator Peter Bunting, said citizens must not allow the government to escape accountability for the violent criminality affecting various parts of the country.
Bunting’s statement came after the August 12, 2023, arson and gun attack on Walker’s Avenue, Gregory Park, St Catherine. The antagonists shot and killed one man and set fire to eleven houses, leaving 80 homeless people, including 30 children.
Bunting was among PNP officials who visited the community on Wednesday, July 16, 2023.
Senator Bunting says the Holness-led government has failed to provide a comprehensive plan to address crime and violence in Jamaica.
PNP Chairperson Dr. Angella Brown Burke and Fitz Jackson endorsed Bunting’s criticisms of the government.
Senator Bunting said a change of approach is needed to identify and dismantle the root of crime.
The former Minister of National Security said that the government’s delay in tabling its promised Enhanced Security Measures Act proves that it needs to find its priorities where crime fighting is concerned.
Falmouth’s Mayor admonished mothers who provide shields for their sons involved in criminality.
The Councilor for the Warsop Division in the Trelawny Southern constituency, and Mayor of Falmouth, Collen Gager, had admonished mothers who continue to shield their sons involved in criminal activities.
He also beseeched young women to cease aiding and abetting criminals.
“This is not the time for mothers to protect criminal sons. Woe be unto you, mothers who cover up the crimes of your sons and allow them to continue to slay the innocent. Remember, your day of reckoning will come,” Gager said.
“This is not the time for young girls to get entangled with criminals,” he continued. “Stop washing out the bloodstains from their clothes. One day the blood will be your very own.”
Collen Gager
The Mayor spoke on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, during a peace march by representatives of Troy High School in honor and memory of Jamelia Cole, whom heartless thugs raped and beaten. She died in the hospital on August 6, 2023. Residents and children marched from Cotton Tree to Albert Town Square.