Phillip Paulwell Condemns Deadly Shooting in Rockfort, Calls for Urgent Action and Community Support

Kingston, Jamaica. October 21, 2024: Phillip Paulwell, Member of Parliament for East Kingston and Port Royal, is condemning the brutal attack in which gunmen opened fire on a crowd during a football game in the Pleasant Heights community of Rockfort, East Kingston, on Monday evening. Mr Paulwell described the attack, which tragically claimed the lives of five individuals and left several others wounded, as a heinous act of violence against the community.

“I am deeply shocked and saddened by this senseless act of terror,” said Mr. Paulwell. “This cowardly attack has claimed lives and shattered the peace of Rockfort. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones tonight and those who are now fighting for their lives. No one should live in fear, and this kind of brutality has no place in our society.”

Mr. Paulwell is urging all residents who may have witnessed the attack or have any information to cooperate fully with the authorities. “I am calling on anyone who saw or heard anything to come forward and assist the police in their investigation. It is only by working together that we can bring those responsible to justice and restore peace to our streets,” he said.

He emphasised the need for increased security in the area and has since spoken to the Minister of National Security, calling for an immediate response from the security forces to ensure a swift apprehension of those responsible. The Member of Parliament has also urged community groups, churches, and local leaders to unite in addressing the ongoing violence. “I will be pushing for a stronger security presence in Rockfort and surrounding areas. We need to reclaim our communities from the grip of fear and violence, and we cannot do it without the help of every resident, leader, and organisation.”

Mr. Paulwell also highlighted the need for emotional support for those affected by the attack, calling for counselling services to be made available to the families of the victims and others who witnessed the horrifying event. “This is a painful and traumatic time for the Rockfort community, but we will not let violence define us. Now more than ever, we must support each other, stand together, and reject this kind of terror. I am committed to working with the authorities and offering my full support to the families affected by this tragedy.”

Mr. Paulwell is urging the Rockfort community to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with law enforcement to ensure that those responsible are swiftly brought to justice.