National Security Minister Condemns Killing of Police Constable

National Security Minister, Hon. Peter Bunting has strongly condemned this afternoon’s murder of a police constable who was shot and killed by gunmen in August Town, St. Andrew.

Minister Bunting has expressed deep condolences to the relatives, friends and colleagues of the constable who was attached to the Operations Support Unit at the Half Way Tree Police Station.

The constable who was 35 years old, is the first policeman to be killed since the start of the year.

He joined the Jamaica Constabulary Force in September 2001.

Minister Bunting said the killing comes at a time when Jamaica has been experiencing a decline in serious crimes.  He noted too that the situation in August Town had calmed in recent months.

“It is of great concern that the police while carrying out their duties would be greeted with such callousness and hostility, leaving the Police Constable with a gunshot wound to the head.  We will not be deterred and will work even closer with the community to ensure that we continue to build on the gains we achieved prior to this unfortunate incident.”

He appealed to members of the security forces to continue to be vigilant and be relentless in their determination to rid the country of criminality and bring the perpetrators of these heinous acts to justice.

The National Security Minister also encouraged security personnel not to recoil in the face of this afternoon’s shooting.

Minister Bunting has appealed to residents to continue to report any suspicious activity by calling 119, 311, or the nearest police station.