Holness condemns killing of Grange Hill High student

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has strongly condemned Thursday's killing of a schoolboy in Grange Hill, Westmoreland.

Sixteen-year-old Carson Bennett, a student of Grange Hill High school was reportedly killed when rival gangs engaged in a shootout in the community. A female student was also shot and injured during the incident.

“This incident and violence in all its forms must be condemned by all Jamaicans. Our children must be free to attend school and live in an environment that promotes peace and safety to help them fulfil their dreams and aspirations. Persons who prey upon our children can expect no mercy. The law enforcement agencies will catch up with them and bring them to justice. Criminals will not win in our society," Holness said in a media statement on Friday.

Holness noted that the Government has been ensuring the legal framework is in place to decisively deal with gangs and the resources are provided to law enforcement to apprehend gangsters and preserve peace in communities.

“We have seen where gangs are grooming our youngsters at an early age. The Government is taking decisive steps to ensure we bolster the laws and equip the police to go after gangsters," he said.

Holness also sought to reassure stakeholders in the education sector that the Government will continue to act in their best interest to create a safe environment for learning.

“I want to reassure everyone - teachers, students, parents and communities - that the State will not bow to criminality and lawlessness. We will put measures in place to address this and other incidents. The criminals will not win," he said.

He is urging all persons with information to tell what they know to the police.

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