The Opposition People's National Party is expressing shock and alarm at the fact that 12 murders have been committed over the last 48 hours.

The Opposition Spokesman on National Security, Peter Bunting while expressing his condolences to the families and extended community members, condemns this recent spate of violence, especially the murder of another child, 13 year-old Christopher Suckra, who was found nude with his head bashed in after not returning home from school.

This incident comes within a week of the Police High Command's press conference suggesting that "much of the fear and panic about the (child) abductions stemmed from rumours and misinformation" making it clear that the danger of abduction and rape of our young children is real.

The Opposition is calling on the government to state its plans for addressing this crime wave. Mr. Bunting said "Since his appointment as Minister of National Security, Col. Macmillan has done very little to inspire confidence in this administration's capacity to solve the crime problem. We are demanding immediate action from the government to arrest this epidemic."

The Opposition notes the fact that there were two incidents in St. James involving four murders in one instance and two in another. These involved active criminal gangs in Green Pond and Granville, highlighting the extent of the challenge that these organized criminal elements present to the society.  Mr. Bunting said "We are calling on the Police High Command to blanket these communities which are under siege with security forces to better protect them from these criminal gangs."

The Opposition notes that even though the debate on capital punishment is important, it should not distract from the challenges facing the Police Force in the active investigation of crimes, in the apprehension of suspects and in securing the conviction of criminals.

Contact:
Peter Bunting