Shadow Minister on National Security Peter Bunting
By Racquel Porter
Shadow Minister on National Security Peter Bunting has issued a sharp critique of Prime Minister Andrew Holness' response to the latest mass shooting in Waltham Park Road.
Mr. Bunting condemned the Prime Minister's characterisation of these killings as a "multiple victim violent incident", calling it a euphemistic attempt to downplay the frequent incidents of mass shootings scarring Jamaica's international image and devastating many local communities.
He said the Dr. Holness' minimisation of the horrific incident is a disservice to the victims and their grieving families.
Mr. Bunting said no amount of public relations spin can obscure the grim reality of an increasing trend of mass shootings.
He pointed out that International media outlets, including the Associated Press, Toronto Sun, The Washington Post, ABC News and others have all reported this tragic incident at Waltham Park Road as a mass shooting."
Bunting further criticised the government's handling of crime as a failure of national security policy and a collapse of public safety in many of our communities.
Mr. Bunting also questioned the completeness of Jamaica's murder statistics.
He said reports suggest that between 100 - 200 deaths are currently categorised as "undetermined" though many of those will ultimately be adjudged to be homicides.
Mr. Bunting said the Jamaican people deserve full and prompt disclosure from the government.
Noting that increasing incidents of mass shootings in Jamaica should be neither normal nor acceptable, Mr. Bunting said the country needs decisive and comprehensive action to restore safety, rebuild trust, and end this senseless violence.
Mr. Bunting also extended condolences to the families of the deceased, and called the authorities to exhaust all resources in bringing the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.
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