‘ACT OF TERROR’

The death of four-year-old Shannon Gordon, one of five persons murdered during Sunday night’s mass shooting in St Catherine, has left her relatives and teachers shattered.

During the incident in the community of Commodore in Linstead, labelled by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness as “an act of criminal terror”, another four persons were wounded by marauding gunmen dressed in police fatigue.

“She don’t even get a chance to live any life yet, but God will punish the dutty man dem who took her life,” said one of Gordon’s sobbing relative, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal.

At Rosemount Primary and Infant School, where both Gordon and the injured 11-year-old attended classes, grief and disbelief hung heavy in the air as teachers gathered to be comforted by members of the police High Command.

“She was one of the promising students in the class, very outspoken and anxious to learn. I am so disturbed by her demise,” said Shannon’s class teacher.

Touring the site of the bloody shooting yesterday, Holness condemned the incident, describing it as an attack that struck at the heart of the nation’s sense of safety and humanity.

With the prime minister at the scene were National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang and Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake.

“As this is from our perspective an act of criminal terror, the police must dedicate resources to this and focus on ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” Holness said, drawing parallels between the incident and last year’s shooting at Cherry Tree Lane in Clarendon.

“We have seen this before. It would appear to me that the circumstances are similar, and there are things that we would have learnt from that incident, and one of them is to prevent reprisals.”

The prime minister stressed that efforts must go beyond temporary policing responses.

“Whatever is done must have endurance, not just wait out the criminals, but to actively pursue them,” he stated.

While acknowledging progress in the Government’s mission to pursue peace, Holness admitted that much remains to be done.

“The mission of pursuing peace, while progress has been made, is not complete, and the conversation cannot proceed as if there are not dangerous and evil persons still in our midst with the capabilities to unleash on an innocent population the greatest terror and to deprive innocent Jamaicans of their lives,” he said.

The prime minister also promised full government support to the grieving families.

FEAR AND SORROW

Residents of Commodore said yesterday that the shooting has brought with it an unprecedented level of fear and sorrow.

According to reports, the gunmen stormed a premises known locally as ‘Big Yard’, opened fire with high-powered weapons, and even slaughtered a pit bull before fleeing.

Bishop Courtney Golding, community resident and board chairman at Rosemount Primary and Infant School, who heard the gunfire from his home, described the atmosphere of fear gripping the area.

“I had to comfort my wife when we heard the shots because she was traumatised. After it subsided, I called around and found out that the persons – all of them known to me – had been killed,” he said.

The mother of 19-year-old Jushane Edwards, who is one of the persons killed, broke down in tears in the presence of the prime minister, overwhelmed by the pain of losing her loved one.

Also among the grieving relatives was the sister of Iysha Washington, who died leaving behind three children, one of whom is a student at The University of the West Indies.

“Who is going to pay her way now? No mother; this is so sad. My sister didn’t deserve this ending,” she cried.

Chang, in his comments, expressed outrage while extending condolences to the families and assuring them that the police will be relentless in finding those responsible.

“I have confidence that the police will bring the perpetrators to justice,” Chang said.

Opposition Spokesman on National Security Fitz Jackson described the incident as a “dark day for the people of Commodore”.

“I extend heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those whose lives were so cruelly taken. The continued slaughter of Jamaicans is a grim reminder that our nation remains far from securing true safety for its people. I pray that the families and community will find the strength to endure this terrible pain,” said Jackson.

He praised the police for their prompt action, but urged sustained diligence.

“I call on the police to leave no stone unturned in tracking down those responsible. This must be done with professionalism and fairness, in order to inspire confidence and secure the cooperation of the public.”

Natalie Neita Garvey, member of parliament for North Central St Catherine, also visited the scene, describing the tragedy as part of a heartbreaking series of misfortunes that have befallen one family – five of whom were among the victims.

A visibly shaken police commissioner said investigators were working tirelessly to establish a motive for the crime.

“No stone will be left unturned in solving this crime,” Blake vowed.

ruddy.mathison@gleanerjm.com

THOSE KILLED

1. Shannon Gordon, 4

2. Mario Sullivan, 42

3. Jushane Edwards, 19

4. Iysha Washington, 39

5. ‘Famous Amos’, 22