PNP Councillor Ainsley Parkins killed in gun attack

 

People's National Party (PNP) councillor for Southboro Division, Ainsley Parkins, popularly known as 'Tyson', was shot dead by gunmen on Thursday morning.

 

It's reported that about 9:45, Mr. Parkins was in his vehicle on Laurel Road in Southboro when he was attacked by two gunmen.

 

He was shot multiple times and was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

 

Portmore Mayor Leon Thomas, who spoke with reporters at the crime scene, said Mr. Parkins had dropped off summer workers in the Southboro community and was about to leave when he was attacked.

 

Mayor Thomas said the councillor's killing marks a "sad day in Jamaica and a sad day for Portmore". 

 

"Ainsley was a very, very good councillor who always looked out for his people. You see, based on the situation, I know that everybody is grieving. And whoever that has any information, I'm asking them to give the information to the police. I really want the information to pass on to the police, because it is in our community and somebody must see what happened," Mr. Thomas pleaded. 

 

Several high ranking members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, including Deputy Commissioner with responsibility for Crime Fitz Bailey and head of the Criminal Investigation Branch, Cleon Marsh, were also at the scene of the killing.

 

 

The People's National Party has said it is is deeply shocked and saddened at the murder of Mr. Parkins.

 

The party said it condemns this heinous act of violence and called on the police to conduct a swift, thorough and inpartial investigation.

 

Describing Mr. Parkins as an outstanding public servant, the PNP said it is closely monitoring the situation and eagerly awaits further details from the police regarding the investigation.