Prime Minister wants the police to go hard after criminals in the wake of Sligoville killings

The Police High Command says the 10 year old girl who was shot and wounded during Friday's deadly exchange of gunfire is in critical but stable condition. 

The young girl was among 10 people who were shot.

Corporal Trevoy Shaw of the Specialized Operations Branch was fatally shot on Friday while Constable Devoney Rose, who was shot and critically wounded during the same operation, died Saturday morning.

Three suspected gunmen were also killed during the gun battle.

While briefing Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness on Saturday, Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake, confirmed that the child is still alive and the police are hoping for a positive outcome, adding that the police are maintaining their presence in the area.

“Don’t go soft”

The Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, for his part, said the tactics used by the gunmen was a reminder that legislators must not go so soft.

He said excuses must not be made for “violence producers,” adding that their actions should not be justified by poverty, exclusion or social injustice.

Dr. Holness also issued a directive for the police to intensify efforts to rid the country of criminal networks, noting the diversionary tactics those in the Sligoville incident used.

“That is calculated brutality. That is sheer evil, and it is a stark reminder that we cannot let down our guards… We must maintain our resolute posture against organized criminal networks.”