MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Central Manchester Member of Parliament (MP) Rhoda Moy Crawford has expressed deep concern over the recent surge of gun violence in the parish, labeling the situation as “disturbing.” She urged her constituents to remain steadfast in their fight against lawlessness while extending her support to those affected by the recent wave of murders.
In a statement on Thursday, MP Crawford addressed the anxiety spreading through the community, acknowledging the unease caused by the violent incidents.
“As Member of Parliament for Central Manchester, I stand in solidarity with my well-thinking and law-abiding constituents and wider stakeholders who are concerned and alarmed at the recent flare-up of violence in the parish. There have been several disturbing incidents of shooting in the parish, which has reportedly resulted in five deaths in the last few days,” said Crawford.
She emphasized that despite the fear and uncertainty caused by these attacks, residents must not allow criminals to weaken their determination to stand up against crime.
“While the fear and anxiety that now grip residents and stakeholders of the constituency is understandable, as law-abiding citizens, we must never allow criminals and those who seek to wreak havoc in our beloved parish, to paralyse us or weaken our resolve to stand against lawlessness,” she urged.
Reports indicate that at least five people have been killed, and five others injured, in separate incidents across Manchester in recent days. The most recent shooting occurred on Thursday morning when a man was shot and injured during a reported shootout between rival gangs in Greenvale, Mandeville.
MP Crawford reassured the public that the police are actively working to apprehend those responsible for these violent acts, using all available resources.
“As Member of Parliament for one of the four constituencies in the parish, I want to assure constituents and the wider public that the security forces, bolstered by support from the Government, are doing everything in their powers to identify the perpetrators, reassure and safeguard the citizenry as well as restore a sense of safety and normality to the communities as quickly as possible,” Crawford said.
She also called on anyone with information about the recent shootings to assist the police in their efforts to restore peace.
“We cannot allow this to become our new normal,” she stressed, urging citizens to collaborate with law enforcement to help return stability to their communities.
Crawford’s message of unity and resilience underscores the ongoing efforts to combat crime in Manchester, as residents, law enforcement, and government officials work together to restore safety and order.
