The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says a four-year-old child was shot and killed and two teenage girls, including a Canadian national, are nursing gunshot wounds as a result of separate incidents of illegal gun salutes heralding the new year.
The JCF said that the incidents occurred ‘despite repeated warnings’ from the police ‘against the dangerous and unlawful practice’. The JCF said that a 13-year-old Canadian national who was visiting relatives was standing on a balcony at a residence in Portmore, St. Catherine, south east of here, observing New Year’s fireworks celebrations when she was struck by bullets.
‘Moments after midnight, loud explosions were heard, after which the teen felt sharp pains to her thigh and back. She was assisted to hospital, where she has been admitted in stable condition,’ the JCF said.
It said in the other incident, a 14-year-old girl was also injured while sitting beneath a tree in the capital, Kingston.
‘The teen reported feeling a burning sensation to her shoulder, after which it was discovered that she had been shot. She was also taken to hospital for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.’
The JCF said that it ‘strongly condemns this reckless and irresponsible behaviour, once again emphasizing that gun salutes are illegal, extremely dangerous, and pose a serious threat to innocent lives.
‘These incidents underscore the real and devastating consequences of discharging firearms indiscriminately,’ the JCF said, adding that investigations into both shootings are ongoing.
Meanwhile, a four-year-old child has died after being shot during a deadly firefight between gunmen and the police in St James, north west of here on New Year’s Day.
‘Two armed men were fatally shot and a high-powered rifle seized during a confrontation with the police,’ the JCF said in a statement, adding that the incident took place as members of the security forces acted on intelligence and reports of illegal gun salutes despite repeated public warnings against the practice.
The police said preliminary information indicates that a group of individuals had gathered in the community and were in possession of prohibited firearms, allegedly with the intention of conducting illegal gun salutes.
‘On the arrival, the security forces came under gunfire from armed individuals in the area. The police took evasive action and returned fire in keeping with their training and the prevailing threat. When the situation was brought under control, two male individuals were found with what appeared to be gunshot wounds. They were later pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.
‘During this incident, a four-year-old child sustained gunshot injuries and later succumbed to those injuries while receiving medical treatment. A 68-year-old woman was also injured and treated,’ the JCF said, extending ‘sincere condolences to the family of the child and expresses deep regret at the loss of this young life’.
The police recalled that in the lead-up to the New Year, repeated public advisories were issued by both the JCF and the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA), warning against the use of illegal firearms and the practice of celebratory gunfire.
‘These warnings highlighted the grave danger such actions pose to innocent lives, particularly children and other vulnerable persons. The JCF reiterates its appeal to members of the public to reject gun salutes and to cooperate with law enforcement by providing information on illegal firearms and criminal activity.’