JAMAICA | People’s National Party condemns Cherry Tree Lane Massacre

KINGSTON Jamaica. August 12, 2024: The People’s National Party has expressed profound shock and has condemned last night’s horrific and senseless massacre of eight individuals, including a child, and the injury of nine others in the Cherry Tree Lane community, Four Paths, Clarendon. 

 Member of Parliament for Clarendon South Western Lothan Cousins, In a statement described this vicious act as unconscionable. He said this has cast a pall over the community, leaving the relatives and friends of the deceased and injured, in tremendous sorrow and disbelief.

Leader of the Opposition and President of the People’s National Party Mark Golding lamented that Jamaica is sickened by yet another depraved act of wanton violence, which in this incident has directly affected seventeen people, eight of whom have been killed and including several women and a child.

“There have been several instances of multiple killings in Clarendon in recent years, with this one being the most egregious. I stand ready to cooperate with the Government to achieve bipartisan action to come to grips with this utterly untenable situation”, said Golding.

Mr. Cousins said that loss of life, especially that of a young and promising child, is a tragedy that cannot be summed up into words. “This terrorist attack on Cherry Tree Lane is a stark reminder of the pervasive evil that continues to plague our society.

Such a heinous crime is a direct assault on the very fabric of our community and cannot be tolerated under any circumstance”, Mr. Cousins expressed.

The Clarendon South Western MP conveys his deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who were fatally shot, while extending thoughts and prayers for a swift recovery for those who have been injured and are currently undergoing medical treatment.

Mr. Cousins further noted that this vicious attack on the community is a stark reminder of the urgent need for decisive action to address the scourge of violence that has gripped our nation.

“I unequivocally condemn this barbaric act and pledge my unwavering support to the law enforcement authorities as they work diligently to apprehend and bring to justice those responsible for this heinous crime”, the MP affirmed.

Cousins, who was on the scene of the murders this morning, said his team is now conducting assessments in order to determine the nature and level of support that is needed from his office to assist those who have been affected and are currently experiencing trauma from the incident.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the response from the government, as up to this morning, there was no police presence in the area which he says should be under surveillance. He recommended that the police maintain a constant presence in the area as well as a curfew imposed until the situation is contained.

The Clarendon-based MP emphasized the importance of community unity in the wake of such tragedy. He urged residents to come together to denounce violence in all its forms and to help create a safe and secure environment for all citizens.

Additionally, Cousins has called on everyone to cooperate with the police by providing any information they have that may assist in the ongoing investigation.

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