Clarendon massacre: $25 million reward offered; SOE declared

The Jamaican Government on Wednesday offered cash rewards amounting to $25 million for credible information leading to the arrest and conviction of those behind Sunday's massacre in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon.

This represents the largest ever such reward offered in the country’s history.

Eight people were killed, including a seven year-old boy, and 11 others wounded during the attack.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, speaking at Jamaica House on Wednesday morning, said the $25 million fund has been established to fast track the pace of investigations.

Of that amount, he said six million dollars will be given "for credible information, leading to the arrest and charge of any suspect involved in the killings, particularly those who were involved in pulling the trigger; that is up to a maximum of one million dollars per person."

Another five million will be provided for information that results in the arrest and charge of "facilitators of this criminal act," up to a maximum of $1.5 million per person.

Rewards will also be given for information leading to recovery of the firearms that were used in the shootings, "and any information on the networks involved in the supplying of those firearms," and five million for supplying of information leading to "the securing of evidence against the gangs that were involved."

Another five million dollars has been earmarked for information leading to the arrest and charge of anyone harbouring these criminal gangs or their associates, to a maximum of $800,000 per person.

In support of this initiative, the Prime Minister highlightedthe success of the measures used to apprehend those responsible for the murder of three persons, including two schoolboys, in Salt Spring, St. James last year.

He said the traditional methods of secured information sharing can be used including Crime Stop 311, 119, the National Investigation Bureau Tipline, 811, MOCA tipline, (888 MOCA TIP or 888 - 662-2847), the JDF Tip Line at 876-837-8888.

Once the information has been verified and the relevant details are available, payments will be securely made, the Prime Minister said.

State of Emergency