The police have implemented additional security measures in sections of the Southboro community in St. Catherine, following the killing of Councillor Caretaker Lennox Hines, yesterday (May 26).
This as part of efforts to prevent any possible reprisal attack.
Hines was shot and killed by gunmen, who opened fire at the vehicle he was driving along Marcus Garvey Drive, in Kingston.
His fiancee and daughter were in the car with him.
The woman has been hospitalised; her condition is not known.
The girl was not harmed.
It‘s reported that investigators are following several leads in the matter.
Yesterday, the police indicated that the killing of Hines may be a contracted hit.
Hines‘ murder comes amid tension in the Southboro Division and residents expressing fear for their lives, following several incidents, including murders in March.
And the Jamaica Labour Party, JLP has expressed deep sorrow at what has been described as the brazen and brutal murder of Councillor Caretaker, Lennox Hines, yesterday (May 26).
In a statement, JLP General Secretary Dr. Horace Chang, said Hines‘ death is even more tragic, because at the time of the incident, the family had been planning the wedding.
Dr. Chang described Hines as a man who worked hard for his family and the division he sought to represent.
Hines was the Councillor Caretaker for the Southboro Division in St. Catherine, having lost his bid in the election to the Peoples National Party’s, Ainsley Parkins.
While extending condolences to Hines’ relatives and friends, Dr. Chang said the JLP is praying for the speedy recovery of his wounded fiancee.
He said the police have advised the party that they are continuing investigations into the matter and, that the JLP will be monitoring to ensure that the criminal perpetrators are brought to justice.
Dr. Chang added that the party has been in contact with East Central St. Catherine Member of Parliament Alando Terrelonge, to assist in supporting the Hines family, during this time of sorrow.
Meantime, Minister of Local Government Desmond Mckenzie has strongly condemned the murder of Hines.
In a statement, Mckenzie noted that while the motive for the heinous crime is yet unknown, it is clear to him that the criminals, who shot Hines while in traffic, along Marcus Garvey Drive, wanted to make a public show of the evil they committed.
The minister said the incident is another terrible example of the violence that is afflicting the society, and that the combined determination, of the security forces and ordinary citizens, is critical to turning this situation around.
He expressed sorrow to Hines‘ fiancee and children, who are in total shock at this time, as well as to the residents of the Southboro Division, to whom Hines was very close.
Mr. Mckenzie said Mr. Hines served as councillor caretaker for the division since 2014, and proved to be an enthusiastic and dedicated student of the system of local government, and the fixity of purpose required for effective service.
He established an office in the division, and outside of his regular presence in the division, was there every Saturday to serve the needs of the people.
Mr. Mckenzie said Hines was the embodiment of sincerity in service, and that the Councillor Caretaker, was waiting for the opportunity to become the division‘s official representative.
Mr. Mckenzie said he is praying for comfort and healing for Hines‘ family in the difficult days to come, and expressed hope that the killers will be brought to justice.
In the meantime, condolences have also come from the Island Traffic Authority (ITA), to the Hines family.
The ITA said Hines was a driving instructor who worked closely with the authority, particularly the team at the Spanish Town Road Depot, for many years.