Foreign Ministry 'saddened' by murders of returning residents

State minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Pearnel Charles Jr, said the ministry is deeply saddened by the reports of the violent incidents involving returning residents.

He said that he and Minister Kamina Johnson Smith wished to express "heartfelt sympathy to all the families affected, and we are advised that investigations into these matters are ongoing.

"The Police High Command is working assiduously to bring these perpetrators to justice. We expect a complete investigation of these matters and urge all citizens with information to contact the police," he said. "I want to reassure the people of Jamaica that the Government remains steadfast in its commitment to fighting the scourge of crime that affects every aspect of our society. We continue to take a multifaceted approach to crime-fighting in making Jamaica a safe place for all."

Charles Jr said that given the unique vulnerabilities of returning residents, the ministry has been working collaboratively with stakeholders in providing information, support and guidance to the returning residents' community.