JAMAICA | PNP Condemns Murder of Three in Salt Spring, St. James

Montego Bay, Jamaica - November 7, 2023: Junior Spokesperson on National Security and Defence,Jouvaughnie Byfield is appealing to citizens to assist the police in their investigations into the murder of three persons yesterday evening, including two students, were shot and killed in Salt Spring, St. James.

In a statement today, Byfield encouraged the residents of Salt Spring to provide any information that could aid in bringing those responsible for this terrible act,to justice.

The two students, nine-year-old Justin Perry and his schoolmate, nine-year-old Nacholive Smith, of Chetwood Primary, and a man who remains unidentified, were travelling in a taxi from school yesterday evening when the vehicle they were in was shot up by gunmen.

The Junior Spokesman on National Security, has strongly condemned this heinous act of violence, emphasising the need to protect our children and secure our nation's future. Byfield stated, "More must be done to safeguard our children from such acts of violence. Our students should not have to fear for their lives while pursuing an education."

He further expressed confidence in the capacity of the security forces to address the situation effectively but stressed the importance of allocating additional resources to high-crime divisions like St. James. 

Byfield asserted  that "These divisions require more boots on the ground to confront the escalating crime problem that Western parishes face. We cannot allow our communities to be held hostage by criminal elements."

Byfield said "Community involvement is essential in addressing crime, and we must all work together to make our neighbourhoods safer," he said.

 He pointed out that “This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address violence in our communities, especially when it affects our young students.” 

Byfield, along with the entire Junior Shadow Cabinet, calls for unity and commitment to building a safer, more secure future for Jamaica's youth.

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