FORMER Spanish Town Mayor Dr Raymoth Notice was, up to last night, still in hospital battling for life after he was attacked and shot several times by gunmen in the farming community of West Prospect, St Catherine.

Police reported that early yesterday morning Notice was at his home when armed men held him up at gunpoint.

Sources said the men demanded money and when their demands were not met they opened fire, hitting Notice several times before making their escape from the area.

The attack yesterday triggered shock and anger among residents and Jamaicans in other areas.

Political representatives from both the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), of which Notice is a member, the ruling People’s National Party (PNP), as well as residents of West Prospect reacted angrily to the shooting, some describing it as brutal and barbaric.

“Wicked dem wicked. Look how much people Doctor helped, and this is how criminals treat him. We just hoping [the police] will leave no stones unturn in their search for those persons responsible,” said one West Prospect resident.

“All now me can’t believe it what me hearing,” said a woman as she carried her son to a nearby shop.

She made the comment just metres away from a team of detectives carrying out investigations at the entrance to Dr Notice’s home.

Meanwhile, at the Spanish Town Hospital friends, family and associates gathered and waited for hours to hear the condition of Dr Notice, who had to undergo emergency surgery.

“We are here to give out our support in whatever way we can. What has happened has left all of us in shock,” Natalie Neita-Headley, the member of parliament for St Catherine North Central, told the

Jamaica Observer.

“He is a community development person, he is a peaceful man and the community both sides of the fence love him in Bog Walk and so the shock right now is unbelievable. We are just praying for him that he will pull through,” said Neita-Headley, who is the minister with responsibility for sport in the Office of the Prime Minister.

Member of Parliament for St Andrew South Central and JLP Deputy General Secretary Dr Andrew Wheatley, who was also at the hospital, expressed sadness at the news.

“I am still in a state of shock,” said Wheatley as he joined a group of family and friends who waited at the hospital.

Former Political Ombudsman Bishop Herro Blair, who was also among the group waiting to hear news on Dr Notice, described the act as barbaric.

“This is something that has left all of us in shock. He is someone who I have known all of my life; I was at home when I heard the news. It is quite unfortunate,” said Bishop Blair.

Opposition Leader Andrew Holness, in a release to the media, expressed shock and deep regret at the incident.

“Our thoughts and prayers as members of his political family and well-thinking Jamaicans are with Dr Notice and his family at this hour,” Holness said in a statement.

“We understand how difficult a time this is for his family, friends and colleagues, as his injury is said to be very serious in nature. We pray God’s guidance and strength for the members of the medical team attending to him at this time and pray for his speedy recovery.

“This morning’s attack on Dr Notice is a frightening but telling reminder of just how vulnerable we are as law-abiding citizens to the criminal elements in our midst. They roam our communities without fear and don’t seem to be letting up in their reign of unspeakable horror and crime,” added Holness.

“As peace-loving Jamaicans we must rise up against these vicious criminals and send an unmistakable sign that we are resolved to living in a peaceful, prosperous and orderly society,” Holness added.

Another politician, Joan Gordon Webley, who recently left the JLP to join the PNP, said: “I was at home when I heard the news and I am still struggling; I feel it to the ground I walk on,” said Webley.

Last night the St Catherine North police said they had stepped up their investigation in the matter.