MP Neita Garvey condemns Five Mile gun battle in St Catherine, girl shot
A deadly shootout between police and gunmen in Five Mile, Sligoville left officers and civilians dead. MP Natalie Neita Garvey expressed shock and called for calm.
Deadly Sligoville shootout: MP condemns gun battle that left officers and civilians dead
North Central St Catherine MP Natalie Neita Garvey has condemned a deadly gun battle in the Five Mile community of Sligoville, after members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and armed gunmen engaged in a prolonged exchange of fire on Friday that left police officers and civilians dead.
According to jamaica-gleaner.com, Neita Garvey issued a statement on Sunday in which she described herself as "deeply saddened" by the incident and extended condolences to the Commissioner of Police, the JCF, and the families of the fallen officers. She noted that at least one of the slain policemen was from her own constituency.
"These brave officers died in service to Jamaica," she said. "Their sacrifice in the fight against crime will be remembered. Jamaica owes them a debt of gratitude."
Among the civilians caught in the crossfire was a 10-year-old girl who was shot during the incident and remains hospitalised. Neita Garvey described the exposure of children to such violence as heartbreaking, and confirmed she had contacted relevant agencies to arrange trauma counselling and support for affected children and their families.
"It is heartbreaking that our children continue to be exposed to this level of violence," she said.
The MP stressed that the violence was not a reflection of the broader Sligoville community, which she characterised as made up of "hardworking, peace-loving Jamaicans."
"The community of Five Mile is still in shock," she said. "This unprecedented level of criminal activity is not representative of the people of Sligoville."
Neita Garvey said she stood with residents during what she called a difficult period and pledged support for all lawful efforts to restore peace and order. "As your Member of Parliament, I am ready to support and assist in all lawful activities aimed at reducing crime, restoring peace, law and order, and ridding our communities and our beloved country of this scourge of senseless violence and criminality," she said.
She added that she remained in close contact with JCF leadership and urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward immediately.
Source: Google News JM — Crime