KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesperson on Justice and Governance, Senator Mark Golding has expressed shock and sadness at last night’s brutal murder of a leading Justice of the Peace in St Ann, Colin Corrodus.

In a statement from the People’s National Party, Golding said that Justices of the Peace play a critical role in Jamaica’s justice system and that the services they provide the public includes the authentication of important documents, monitoring conditions in lock-ups across the country, and adjudicating cases in the Petty Sessions Courts.

He said the slaying of Corrodus at his home is therefore a particularly heinous attack on the rule of law in our country, and an ominous beginning for the new year.

Reports from the Claremont police are that about 8:15 pm Corrodus was at home playing dominoes when armed men entered, robbed him of his licensed firearm and shot him.

Golding continued, “On behalf of the Opposition, I extend condolences to Mrs Corrodus and the other members of the family and friends of Mr Corrodus. He served his country nobly and well, and all well-thinking Jamaicans share your grief at this difficult time.

“Violent crime continues to plague our land, with no sign of abating. The situation has been allowed to get out of control, and is now threatening to set back the hard-won gains of the last four years. Jamaica cannot achieve prosperity in the midst of mayhem.  It is incumbent on the Government to awake from its slumber and implement effective measures, consistent with the constitutional rights of our people, to deal with this crisis.”