PNP youth arm urged Police Commissioner to probe attacks on young women
The People’s National Party Youth Organization (PNPYO) has called on Police Commissioner George Quallo to launch a probe into reports of an increase in attacks on young women, especially in areas in Kingston, the Jamaican capital.
Criminals targeting women
The youth arm of the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP), said in a statement on Tuesday that based on reports in social media, the criminals seem to be targeting young women on public transportation in areas n Kinston, and the neighboring parish of St. Catherine.
“Though an unconventional means of reporting, it is important that we nonetheless treat these reports with great urgency. From the several numbers of reports, it appears armed rogue criminals are targeting passengers, young women especially, taking public transportation,” said PNPYO President, Connoly Black.
Increase police presence sought
He said until the investigations have commenced and concluded, the police commissioner should increase police presence in these transportation areas and increase the number of spot checks on public transportation vehicles since some of these criminals seem to be disguising themselves as regular public passengers.
“Given the elevated levels of criminality in Jamaica, we ask that all Jamaicans, especially women exercise greater caution when travelling via public transportation, refrain from taking robot taxis, when possible, to travel in large groups, and, where possible, avoid travelling at nights,” the PNPYO President said.
Churches appeal
Meanwhile, the Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC), is the latest organization to issue an appeal for something to be done about escalating violent crime in Jamaica.
In a statement on Monday, the JCC called Christians to help initiate anti-crime initiatives throughout their communities.
The JCC also called on churches to fast and pray about the worsening crime situation, and to facilitate conversations with the perpetrators of violence.
