After the National Security Council convened an emergency meeting on August 12, 2024, to address the recent reprehensive act of terrorism in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon, Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared a state of emergency in the southern Clarendon parish after eight people were killed in separate gun attacks on Sunday night, including a seven-year-old boy.
Holness told a press conference at his office, “This is an opportunity for the government to mobilize fully to have a very serious focus on gangs. We cannot allow murders to be normalized in our country.”
- Advertisement -
In response, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has deployed additional resources to the affected area, with investigations already underway. Five people have since been arrested so far in relation with Sunday’s shootings, Holness said.
A curfew has been imposed, and the public is urged to assist by passing on any information that may lead to the apprehension of those responsible. The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has also been mobilized, with a specialized, targeted team set to be deployed to support the JCF.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, on behalf of the Government of Jamaica, expressed his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this brutal act. He emphasized that his Administration’s resolve to bring those responsible to justice, stating, “Anyone who was in any way involved in the act of terror in Clarendon will be brought to justice. This act of terror and any similar act is an attack on every Jamaican. The security forces have been instructed to continue the all-out assault on all gangs across Jamaica. We are a nation of law and order, and the perpetrators and other criminal organizations cannot be allowed to escape the rule of law.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, has condemned the act in the strongest terms, stating, “Yesterday’s attack in Clarendon is absolutely intolerable. We will respond with the most severe consequences to disrupt the activities and degrade the operations of the gangs responsible. The security forces have been deployed to restore calm and peace to the affected areas and provide the families with the support needed at this time.”
Intelligence collected by the security forces indicates that individuals both overseas and incarcerated were involved in orchestrating this atrocity. It is reported that multiple organized gangs collaborated and cooperated to execute this act. The Government of Jamaica and the security forces are resolute in their determination to dismantle these criminal networks and prevent any further attacks on our citizens.
The government appeals to all citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with the security forces as they work to restore order and bring the perpetrators to justice. We will continue targeting all gangs and intensify collaboration with our international partners, with whom we already share intelligence.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding the peace and security of every Jamaican.
