No Stone Left Unturned’ Security Forces Target Rockfort Gunmen
Less than 24 hours after a shooting incident that claimed the lives of five residents and injured two others, security forces embedded themselves within the Pleasant Heights, Rockfort community. Their goal was to establish a reassuring presence, update the community on the ongoing investigation, and encourage collaboration with law enforcement to ensure those responsible for the tragedy are brought to justice.
The mission of the security forces was bolstered on Tuesday, October 22, when Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness led a team of senior officials to the community. Among them were Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of National Security, the Honourable Dr. Horace Chang, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Force’s Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau, Clifford Blake, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Warren Clarke, and Superintendent Tommilee Chambers, the officer in charge of the Kingston Eastern Division.
Dr. Horace Chang emphasized that such violent acts cannot be tolerated. “The police have full authority to pursue those responsible,” he stated, while extending his condolences to the affected families and pledging that the perpetrators would be pursued relentlessly.
Prime Minister Holness also expressed his condolences and pointed out the ongoing challenge of gang leaders, or ‘dons,’ who control criminal activity in communities. “For many communities, the members see this as normal existence,” Holness remarked. “Their only intent is to undermine your security, and if allowed, they will ultimately claim your life. They are of no value to the communities.”
Superintendent Tommilee Chambers, commanding officer for the Kingston Eastern Division, reassured residents that there had been progress in the investigation, confirming a fatal shooting and a firearm seizure related to the incident. “We will continue to pursue the perpetrators, and no stone will be left unturned,” Chambers declared. “This is not something we are accustomed to in the Kingston Eastern Division, and we will not sit back and allow this to continue.”
Community members echoed the sentiments of the police, acknowledging that while the community faces challenges, efforts have been made to foster peace and upliftment. One resident described how peaceful things were before the shooting, with children and adults outside playing football and dominoes. “Then things took a turn for the worse,” she said.
A resident of over 50 years shared how, although she didn’t witness the event, she saw the terror on the faces of those who ran to her home for refuge. “My main concern was the children; babies were among those outside,” she said. “In all my years living here, I’ve never experienced something like this. I’m depending on the government for help.”
The security forces have committed to sustaining a visible presence within the community and surrounding areas to preserve peace and stability.
