Solemn PM Holness talks of sadness after two police deaths

The Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness has expressed regret and sadness at developments over the deaths of two members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) last weekend.

On Friday, PC Leighton Hanson of St Andrew North Police Division was murdered on Constant Spring Road.

Less than 24 hours later, DS Dale Thompson succumbed to injuries he was left with after being shoot in January.

Holness said: “Detective Sergeant Thompson and Constable Hanson are heroes. I thank them for their courageous actions in confronting criminal elements.

"Regrettably, they lost their lives. I am deeply hurt at the outcome and our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and the JCF at what is a very difficult time, not only for the Constabulary but for all well-thinking members of society.

"Indeed, the loss of life of any innocent person due to violence and crime should be strongly condemned.”

The prime minister stressed that recently appointed Police Commissioner George Quallo and the wider security forces have the full support of the government in what a statement from the PM's office described as an "unrelenting fight to protect the citizenry and themselves against criminal elements".

All Jamaicans should support the government's efforts to introduce social and legal interventions that will reduce violence and crime, Holness urged.

“Members of our security forces risk their lives to protect us on a daily basis. We must support them," he said.

In a bid to give the security forces the most suitable possible environment to cauterise and eliminate criminal activity, the government of Jamaica renews its commitment to secure the passage of legislation, including the zones of special operations and community development bill which was recently referred to a joint select committee of Parliament.”