There has been more condemnation of the killing of the teen girl, and the wounding of her 12 year old sister.
Dead is Meadowbrook High School student Micholle Moltan.
The Education Ministry says, its saddened by the brutal slaying of the teen, and calls on the nation to stand resolute, that all acts of crime should be frowned on, and be eradicated at all levels across Jamaica.
The ministry states, that its extremely alarmed that both Ms. Molton and her sibling were targeted in such a callous way, and this shows a lack of respect for the life of children and the future women of Jamaica.
The ministry says it anticipates that the perpetrators of this senseless act will be quickly apprehended and justice served.
Meanwhile, Senator Mark Golding, the PNP candidate for St. Andrew South, in condemning the killing of Micholle, says the callous depravity of this incident has shocked the entire community, and left residents with a deep sense of despair and sadness.
He explains that the family was already grieving the recent passing of the girls’ grandmother.
Meanwhile, Mr. Golding has described the killing as horrendous.
He says the police must spare no effort in finding the perpetrators of this heinous crime.
Mr. Golding adds that it is also critical that the community gives the police its full cooperation in the investigations, so that the case can be solved and justice served.
Earlier today, National Security Minister, Robert Montague called on the country to use Micholle’s killing, for a renewed push to protect children, ahead of the start of the new school year.
He said every parent should ensure their child has the stay alert app on their phone and ensure schools have an up-to-date picture of their child; support the police in ensuring children do not loiter at bus parks, or transport centres and implement curfews for the children in their communities.
He encouraged adults to form neighbourhood watch groups adding that they should band together and monitor their communities
The minister also encouraged parents to tell their children to speak up about any inappropriate advances, and urged them to listen to the children, noting that everyone can play a part in protecting the children.
He said the country needs to go back to the days of the village rearing the child.
The National Security Minister says the killing of the teenager is a harsh reminder of the realities the nation faces.
He adds that the incident also underscores the difficulties the police force faces, detracting from their hard work which has resulted in a 5 per cent decrease in crime overall.
The National Security Minister says the Jamaica Constabulary Force has given the assurance that no effort will be spared to bring to justice the criminals who carried out this dastardly act.
The groups have wished for the safe recovery of the 12 year old sister.
Meantime, Mayor of Kingston, Delroy Williams says there should be no divide in efforts to fight crime, even as he condemns the slaying of 17 year-old Micholle Molton, at her home in Arnett Gardens.
Her sister was also shot and wounded in the incident.
Mayor Williams says, ideas and options can contend, but the “best solution,” must be reached to “bring the crime monster under control”.
He says the corporation prays for a speedy recovery of Micholle’s younger sister.
The Mayor was addressing the monthly meeting of the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation in Downtown Kingston, today.
He told the meeting that there is a notable increase in police presence in all major sections of the Corporate Area.
The Mayor says he is pleased with the number of police vehicles assigned to stations in the city, that have undergone repairs, and the prospects of addition to the current fleet, as well as district constables who are in training, and will be deployed to various police divisions.