PNP wants swift investigation into murder of brother of St James councillor

The Opposition People's National Party (PNP) is calling for a swift investigation into the murder of Bruce Gordon, the brother of PNP Councillor for the Catadupa Division in St James Kenroy Gordon, who was gunned down during a reported attempted robbery.

The Gleaner understands that Bruce, a Jamaica Public Service (JPS) contractor, was on his way to St Elizabeth when he stopped at a shop in the community of Burnt Ground, Hanover, last evening.

The 39-year-old father of two was reportedly shot and killed during an alleged robbery while purchasing a drink. 

PNP Information and Public Communication Spokesperson Nekeisha Burchell has condemned the attack.

"We call on the police to act swiftly in apprehending those responsible and to clarify the motive behind this crime. We urge the police to confirm whether this was indeed a robbery and to rule out any other motives circulating within the community so the Gordon family can find some semblance of peace as they navigate this tragic period," Burchell said in a statement. 

Burchell, who is also the PNP's MP caretaker for the St James Southern constituency where Gordon is a councillor, expressed sadness on behalf of Opposition Leader Mark Golding and other PNP executives. 

"This brutal attack has shaken our community and we vehemently denounce this heinous crime. The People's National Party, both at the national level through Party Leader Mark Golding and through the South St James Executive, where I serve as chairman, condemns this act of violence in the strongest possible terms," she wrote. 

At the same time, Burchell stated that the now-deceased man was no stranger to the Hanover community where he was murdered.

She explained that both Bruce and his older brother, Kenroy, recently worked together to restore electricity in the area after the passage of Hurricane Beryl. 

"Bruce's dedication to restoring electricity to the very community in which he lost his life makes this senseless act of violence even more devastating," Burchell said. 

While she bemoaned the "harsh reality" of Jamaica's crime rate, Burchell called for an all-hands approach in tackling criminality across the island.

According to the most recent crime statistics published by the Jamaica Constabulary Force, as of August 3, the country has recorded 692 murders.

There have been 36 murders recorded in Hanover over that period. 

"As we mourn this loss, we are reminded of the harsh reality of the unsafe Jamaica in which we all live. Every day, too many families are torn apart by senseless acts of violence. 

"It is imperative that we, as a community, remain vigilant and united in our efforts to protect ourselves and our loved ones. We must demand that the authorities take decisive action to restore safety and security in our communities. No one should have to live in fear, and it is our collective responsibility to push for the changes necessary to create a safer Jamaica for all," Burchell said. 

- Rochelle Clayton

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