The Private Security Regulation Authority (PSRA) has condemned the incidents leading to the deaths of a number of private security personnel on February 27.

In a statement on Tuesday (February 28), the PSRA said it was also sending condolences to the security guards’ families and friends after the shocking events.

Rick Harris, executive director of the PSRA, said that private security personnel were critical to maintaining order in Jamaican society and must be protected.

Harris noted that they contribute to much of the stability that the country experiences, manage daily activities in public spaces, like health protocols, and provide assistance to persons and businesses.

“The recent events are unfortunate not only because of the loss to Jamaica’s security private personnel fraternity, who facilitate public safety and well-being, but because these citizens’ families and friends are now experiencing significant loss,” Harris said.

“The PSRA strongly condemns the attacks on private security professionals and urges them to stay resolute in their duties.”

The PSRA was created to monitor and regulate the private security industry. The body was created in 1992 and is a statutory body under the Ministry of National Security.