State of emergency declared in Clarendon, Jamaica, following mass shooting

In response to a tragic mass shooting that claimed eight lives, including that of a seven-year-old boy, and left multiple others injured in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon, the Jamaican government has declared a 14-day state of emergency (SOE) in the parish.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced the SOE during a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday, emphasizing the need to prevent potential reprisals following the deadly attack. According to Holness, intelligence suggests a “very high probability” of retaliatory violence, which prompted the swift imposition of the emergency measure.

Deputy Prime Minister and National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang, who was also present at the briefing, explained that the decision was based on the government’s assessment of the high levels of violent crime in Clarendon. He noted that the ongoing gang-related violence in the parish had reached a critical point, posing a significant threat to public safety.