Government Intensifies Efforts to Eradicate Gang Violence Following Waltham Park Road Gun Attack
“We will not relent in degrading, eradicating, and eliminating gangs and gang members. These multiple-victim violent incidents are acts of terror, and we are examining legislative changes to impose harsher penalties and stronger deterrents.”
– Prime Minister Holness
The Government has condemned the brutal attack on Waltham Park Road, Kingston, on Monday evening, which left five persons dead.
The police suspect the shooting is gang-related.
On Tuesday morning (November 26), Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, Minister of National Security, Dr. Horace Chang, and Commissioner of Police, Dr. Kevin Blake, toured the site of the attacks and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice with stronger measures to deter wrongdoers.
Prime Minister Holness said the Government will redouble efforts to eliminate gangs and their influence from the society.
“We will not relent in degrading, eradicating, and eliminating gangs and gang members. These multiple-victim violent incidents are acts of terror, and we are examining legislative changes to impose harsher penalties and stronger deterrents,” the Prime Minister declared.
The Prime Minister noted the evolving nature of homicides, with an increase in multiple-victim violent incidents orchestrated by gangs. He assured the public of the government’s commitment to eradicating these criminal elements, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach.
In addition, the Prime Minister revealed that the government has repurposed a $30 million reward fund to encourage the cooperation of members of the public in identifying and giving information leading to the capture and conviction of violent criminals.
Dr. Holness highlighted the government’s steady progress in dismantling criminal networks. “We have moved from over 300 documented gangs to now just under 180,” he said. “However, there remains a hardened core of gangs that continue to wreak havoc. Anyone who commits these acts, the police will target you. We will focus on you. We will bring our investigative capabilities to bear, and we will find you, and you will get justice.”
Meanwhile, Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang reinforced the government’s resolve to decisively address murders and crime, emphasizing that support for the police and enhancements to the justice system are paramount.
“We are looking closely at the entire criminal justice framework to ensure it has the capacity to address these emerging criminal terrorists. The Ministry of National Security will provide every resource necessary to bolster the police’s efforts,” said Dr. Chang.
And Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake stressed that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is deploying all available resources to apprehend those responsible for last evening’s brutal attack and assured Jamaicans that the JCF is sparing no effort in investigating and responding to the incident.
“We will not relent when it comes to responding to these senseless hoodlums that seek to deprive our citizens of their lives, their freedom, and their way of life. We will be very strident in our response to this particular incident,” the Commissioner said.
The Government of Jamaica reiterates its unwavering commitment to justice, public safety, and the complete eradication of gang-related violence.
In the meantime, Prime Minister Holness has extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, describing the incident as “inexplicable” and “dastardly.”