Slain soldier was ‘a nation builder’
Published:Friday | June 16, 2023 | 1:27 AMAndre Williams/Staff Reporter
His friends were too distraught to speak when contacted by The Gleaner on Thursday.
“I’m not in a good place right now,” one medical doctor said while another, in a voice that was cracking said, “Not right now.”
Bonni-Paul Williams was a medical doctor and also served in the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) as a reservist and Brigade Medical Officer when he was cut down in front of his home early yesterday morning.
He was featured in a commercial two years ago highlighting how his weekends were often shared between dealing with patients and suiting up for the army.
The JDF has also expressed sadness at the passing of Williams.
In a release, the army said Major Williams epitomised selflessness in his service towards his fellow citizens.
These sentiments were shared by Brigadier Ricardo Blidgen, commander of the Jamaica National Reserve.
“His death will be a matter of enormous sadness to those who knew him and those whose lives he has impacted,” Blidgen said.
Chief of Defence Staff Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss Gorman also expressed sadness and offered condolences to the bereaved family.
She said: “Major Williams lived as a nation builder as he served his country with unwavering commitment and professionalism. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fellow comrades-in-arms, and medical professionals.”
Delano Seiveright, senior adviser and strategist in the Ministry of Tourism, is a family friend and visited the home on Thursday.
“Dr Bonnie-Paul Williams is a patriot in the truest sense. He is a family man, a military man, and was committed to his medical profession and had excellent development plans in the Spanish Town area that would have benefited the less advantaged in and around. It was devastating to stand there with stunned family and friends. The killers should be hunted down and dealt with. Anyone who knows and or saw anything should share ASAP,” Seiveright told The Gleaner.
Opposition Spokesman on National Security Senator Peter Bunting also expressed deep sorrow.
“Tragic” and “senseless” were the words he used to describe the incident.
Bunting said: “Jamaicans deserve safety and protection. We must not allow criminals to continue to wreak havoc and instil fear. Immediate and decisive action by the Government is crucial to address rising crime, which threatens lives and well-being.”
Bunting said the killing also highlighted the perilous environment faced by security forces and the daily sacrifices they made.
Williams was mere meters away from his home, reportedly returning from a night out, when he was shot and killed by men the police believe were attempting to steal a neighbour’s Honda CRV motor car at Ridgeway Terrace in the Millsborough area of Barbican, St Andrew.
When first responders arrived after 3 a.m. they found the 40-year-old in his parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds, lying in a pool of blood. It was also discovered that his licensed firearm had been stolen.
The Matilda’s Corner Police report that after the explosions, Williams’ spouse went outside and found the former University of the West Indies, Mona, alumni on his back.
The police say the bonnet of the Honda CRV had been prised open and the fender damaged.
He was shot upon exiting his motor vehicle.
The Major Investigations Division is leading the investigation.