Jamaican Government Declares State of Public Emergency Following Rockfort Massacre
Kingston, Jamaica — October 22, 2023
The Jamaican government has responded with swift action following a tragic and brutal attack that left five men dead at a football match in the Pleasant Heights area of Rockfort. Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. Horace Chang, have both condemned the heinous act of violence, marking it as a shocking affront to the peace and safety of the nation. In response, a State of Public Emergency (SOE) has been declared to address the escalating violence threatening the community.
The massacre, which occurred on Monday evening, has ignited a national outcry for justice and prompted urgent measures to restore order. The decision to impose an SOE followed in-depth evaluations by national security forces that revealed the pervasive levels of violence in Rockfort and its surrounding areas within the Kingston East Division. The severity of criminal activities in the region necessitated immediate government intervention to mitigate risks to public safety.
Boundary Details of the SOE
The designated area for this SOE encompasses specific geographic boundaries:
- West: From the intersection of Michael Manley Boulevard and South Camp Road, extending northeasterly along Vineyard Road up to Diana Drive.
- North: From Diana Drive moving east towards Lexington Avenue, stretching to Deanery Road, then Mountain View Avenue, and continuing along to the shared parish border of St Andrew and St Thomas.
- East: Extends southerly along the border between St Andrew and St Thomas to the coastal areas.
- South: Traces along the coast of St Andrew and the Kingston coastline back to the intersection of South Camp Road and Michael Manley Boulevard.
Speaking on the decision, Prime Minister Andrew Holness remarked, “Sunday night’s murders in Rockfort have shocked the nation. We have taken decisive steps to safeguard the lives of our citizens and prevent further acts of organised violence. The Government, in close coordination with the security forces, is committed to taking the urgent steps to restore order and ensure the safety of the affected residents.”
Echoing a similar sentiment, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Horace Chang emphasized the government’s resolve, “The safety and security of our citizens is our top priority. This act of terror in Rockfort is a grave threat to the peace of our nation, and we will not allow criminal elements to destabilise our communities. The security forces have been fully mobilised and we will use all available resources to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore calm.”
As the investigation continues, the government is urging residents to cooperate with the security measures being implemented, while reassuring the public that efforts are being maximized to apprehend those responsible for the Rockfort massacre. The nation remains on high alert as officials endeavor to maintain peace and stability throughout Kingston and beyond.
