KINGSTON, Jamaica – Opposition Spokesman on national security Derrick Smith has expressed regret at Tuesday’s killing of Constable Lyndon Barrett in the Kingston Western Police Division.

Smith extended condolences on behalf of the Opposition to the deceased Barrett’s family, friends and colleagues and is encouraging them to be strong even at this most difficult hour.

Smith said: “News of the demise of any member of the security forces is always shocking and disheartening. The Opposition notes the controversy surrounding this particular case in light of conflicting accounts of the circumstances under which Constable Barrett was killed by residents on the one hand and the police on the other hand.”

“Given the conflicting reports and ensuing speculation, it is evident that a speedy and fulsome investigation is necessary at this time. The Opposition trusts that the authorities will leave no stone unturned in investigating the circumstances under which Constable Barrett was cut down and bring forensic evidence to the fore in helping to determine what transpired,” he added.

The Opposition Spokesman says Constable Barrett’s killing is particularly distressing for members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force as they have lost a second colleague within the space of one week.

Smith stated: “Constable Barrett’s killing comes fresh on the heels of that of his colleagues, Woman Constable Crystal Thomas of the said Denham Town Police Station, who was cut down at the hands of vicious criminals last Tuesday.

“Our hardworking policemen and women have been plunged into further mourning, and with all that is happening in relation to the upsurge in violent crime, the loss of yet another colleague and the adverse impact it could have on morale throughout the constabulary, could not have come at a more inopportune time. As a society, we need to rally around the police now more than ever and play our part, as law-abiding citizens, in the fight against crime,” he noted.