MONDAY’S brutal killing of a mother and her two sons in Bucknor district of Clarendon has dancehall singjay I-Octane calling for Jamaicans to come together to stamp out the scourge of crime and violence.

The victims were Kareen Brown, 44, and her sons Shavian Mitchell, 17, and Shawn Mitchell, 21.

I-Octane — who was born and raised in the parish — insists that over the years Jamaicans have joined forces for a number of other causes, so it is now time to act and eliminate, or, at least, reduce the killings and instances of criminality.

“Me see Jamaicans from uptown and downtown block road and protest ’bout gas prices until we get change. We need to take that same mentality to the crime. We can’t wait until it reach our door,” said I-Octane.

“Just like when we hear storm a come, and everybody put down gun and knife, and join supermarket line and everybody a prepare for storm, that’s how we all need to tackle the crime situation. It is a national issue and we have to take it on as one people,” he continued.

For I-Octane, for too long persons have chosen to highlight the problem without providing solutions. He, therefore, notes that efforts have to be made to create employment opportunities to prevent those at risk from venturing into a life of crime.

“Once everybody come together to fight this thing, we have to provide gainful employment for people who are involved in crime. Too many educated youths sitting idle and have no opportunity. We must get them something to do or show them ways in which they can create employment opportunities for themselves,” he said.

I-Octane, whose given name is Byiome Muir, has two albums — Crying to the Nation (2012) and My Journey (2014). He is known for his songs including My Life, Lose a Friend and All We Need is Love.