PM Expresses Deep Sadness and Outrage at the Brazen Attack on Our Security Forces

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has said he is profoundly saddened by the killing of Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Private Ren-Neil King who was killed in the line of duty and has expressed his deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of Private King. Private King was part of a joint military and police team conducting a counter narcotics operation in Milk River Clarendon. Based on reports, Private King was shot approximately 7:30 last evening when his team discovered a large quantity of drugs. While seizing the contraband in the marshes of the Milk River area the soldiers came under heavy gunfire from criminals in a boat which had approached. It was discovered after that Private King was shot in the head. He was airlifted to the May Pen hospital then to the UHWI in Kingston where he died this morning. Prime Minister Holness said: "I was briefed shortly after Private King was airlifted to hospital and we were all praying that he would survive the injury. It is with deep sadness that I was subsequently informed of Private King's untimely passing. The Government has invested heavily increasing the capacity and capabilities of our security forces in combatting crimes and illegal activities. Our security forces have been reaping great success in detection, investigation, and interdiction of gangs and criminal masterminds, while at the same time acting within the law and observing the rights of the citizens. We are now seeing worrying signs where these criminals are brazen enough to attack and challenge our security forces. This is a deeply troubling turn in our fight against crime. An attack on our security forces is an attack on the State, an attack against the safety and security of each and every citizen in Jamaica. I, like all well thinking Jamaicans, feel a great sense of outrage at this and other killings and attacks on our security forces and their families. The Jamaican state will not be deterred and we will be relentless in our pursuit of those responsible. The criminals will be brought to Justice. "Private King was a good soldier and made the ultimate sacrifice in serving his country. May his soul rest in peace" - Prime Minister Holness