Arrest in Grand Turk murder case, teenager arrested for murder of woman – Magnetic Media

Fitz Bailey

Kingston, Jamaica, August 14, 2024 – Widespread curfews have been imposed in Central and Southern Clarendon and Southern and Northern St. Catherine, where gangs operate together.

This follows the fatal shooting of eight people and the injury of nine others on August 11 on Cherry Tree Lane in Clarendon.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, provided details at a press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office today (12 August).

“This incident comes at a time when security forces have been working intensively in these areas. In fact, the number of murders has dropped significantly in all three police divisions,” said Dr. Chang.

He explained that the number of murders in Clarendon had fallen by 39 percent this year, thanks to the hard, coordinated work of all elements of the security forces.

Antonette Wemyss-Gorman

Dr. Chang noted that the death of one child and the injury of another in the shooting was particularly traumatic for the community.

“We value the lives of our children. All elements of the security forces, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), supported by the MOCA (Major Organised Crime & Anti-Corruption Agency), will be mobilised and led by the police in the identified areas. They will have the full support of the government,” the minister said.

“We will find, arrest, dismantle and degrade the criminal gangs. The government's social support services will also be deployed in the Cherry Tree Lane community in question and in all areas where the gangs have become active and have disrupted the lives of our citizens,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chief of General Staff Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman said the events in Clarendon deserved special attention from security forces.

Horace Chang

“That is why, in addition to all ongoing operations of the Anti-Gang Task Force and other security operations, I have assigned a special team to handle this particular incident. They will assist the JCF in conducting special and targeted operations to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” the Chief of General Staff said.

Deputy Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey said preliminary investigations indicated the attackers used high-power firearms indiscriminately.

He said the team was working tirelessly to identify the perpetrators and their motives.

“We have deployed additional resources to the affected area to maintain order, support the families of the victims and ensure the safety of the community,” Bailey said.

He added that the police were pursuing a number of theories and lines of investigation into the incident and would ensure that any form of reprisal was avoided.

CONTACT: LATONYA LINTON

CAPTIONS:

1. Deposit: Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey speaks at an extraordinary press conference held today (12 August) at the Prime Minister's Office in Kingston.

2nd insert: Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman speaks at an extraordinary press conference held today (12 August) at the Prime Minister's Office in Kingston.

3. Insert: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang will hold an extraordinary press conference today (12 August) at the Prime Minister’s Office in Kingston.

PHOTOS BY ADRIAN WALKER