Acting PM troubled by killing of children in Clarendon; to visit victims' families

Acting Prime Minister Dr Horace Chang is to visit tomorrow the families of the victims of gun attacks which left children and women dead in the aftermath in earlier this week in Clarendon.

In a release from the Office of the Prime Minister this afternoon, Dr Chang offered condolences to the families and urged those with information to share with investigators.

Chang says he is especially troubled by the killing of children which seems to be a growing trend by criminals.

"I am deeply troubled by what seems to be a growing trend where these murderers no longer care who the victims are whether it be women or children," he said.

The acting prime minister says the current murder situation is untenable and that the government is working to ensure that it doesn't continue.

"There are various initiatives that are being activated to deal with these challenging communities and criminals. The police are being given additional resources including training and we know that once there is a full roll out, the results will be clear to see and lives will be saved," said Chang.

He added that he understands the outcry of those who call for the fast tracking of the implementation of the Zones of Special Operations. However, Chang says the initiative must be done right.

"We have heard the calls from various sections of the society including inner-city crime plagued communities loud and clear. The police are being trained and the agencies of the state are being realigned to ensure the zones are effective and the entire nation benefits. We intend to do it right," the acting head of government stated.