The Opposition Spokesman on National Security, Peter Bunting, expresses alarm and condemnation of the 12 murders that have been reported in the last 48 hours.

He especially regrets the murder of another child, 11 year-old Christopher Suckra, who was found nude with his head bashed in after not returning home from school. This incident coming within a week of the Police High Command’s press conference suggesting that “much of the fear and panic about the (child) abductions stemmed from rumours and misinformation” makes it clear that the danger of abduction and rape of our young children is real.

The fact of two multiple homicides in St. James, involving criminal gangs active in Green Pond and Granville, highlights the extent of the challenge that these organized criminal elements present to the society. We are calling on the Police High Command to blanket these communities which are under siege with security forces to deter these gangs.

Even though the debate on Capital Punishment is important, it should not distract from the immediate failures of the Police Force in investigation of crimes, apprehension of suspects, and securing convictions of criminals.

The Opposition expresses sincere condolences to the families and extended community of the victims.