Kingston. Photo: Caribbean Journal

In a strongly-worded statement issued jointly by the Governor-General, Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition on Friday, the country’s leaders said “most of us are still reeling from the shock of the heinous crimes committed against our people, young and old alike, babies and young children, pregnant women as well as fathers and mothers from all across the land.”

“It is clear that hatred, heartless vengeance and evil have so taken control of a few of our people that they murder and abuse their fellowmen and women without a second thought,” the three officials said. “No place is held sacred as they commit these dastardly acts even on church premises. To these criminals, even their own life lacks value and meaning.”

The government said too much of the country’s “scare resources” were going into crime-fighting, money it said “could have been invested in social development, so our people could become more productive.”

“We simply cannot continue like this,” the group said in its statement, citing the continued problem of crime in the country.

In an address ahead of a group of holidays this week, the Governor General, Prime Minister and Opposition Leader said they called on “all Jamaicans to come together and make a concerted effort to take back our island from the grip of crime and the shroud of negativity.”

“We ask that each and every Jamaican reflect on where we are as a people and how far we have fallen from the values and traditions which our forefathers held as sacred,” the three said. “We stand united in the struggle for Jamaica’s peace, prosperity and safety and for the future of our children.”