Senator Peter Bunting says the quadruple homicide in Riversdale, St Catherine, is a grim reminder of the high crime rate plaguing Jamaica, and has repeated calls for effective action from the Government and law enforcers to tackle the issue.

Police reports indicate that early this morning, three men dressed in dark clothing, wearing masks and armed, forcefully entered the house of a family. Residents heard explosions and called the police.

The victims, identified as Kerrian Higgins, Dorothy Higgins, Dianne Johnson, and a man known as Kevin, were found dead in the house.

“Our nation is reeling from the shock of yet another multiple murder incident, this time with women as the primary victims. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and friends of the victims. The loss of three women and one man within the same household serves as a grim reminder of the daily insecurity that plagues Jamaicans. Our country has become desensitised to the pervasive atmosphere of high crime rates,” the Opposition spokesperson said in a release.

Government complacent

Bunting also accused the Government of being complacent in taking action against current surge of criminal activity, and called for effective action.

He took issue with Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang describing the gun attack on a director of the Integrity Commission as “just another robbery and shooting in Jamaica”.

“The government should not regard the lives of our citizens so casually; instead, they should be at the forefront, leading the charge against this growing sense of resignation that threatens our national psyche,” Bunting argued.

Citizens with information on both incidents are being urged to assist with the investigations by contacting the police.