KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Transport Operator Development Sustainable Services (TODSS) has condemned last night’s murder of a taxi operator, which moved the number of operators killed since the start of the year to 20.

According to TODSS, while it is understood that 44-year-old Christopher Palmer, who plies the Half-Way-Tree to Boulevard route, was operating an illegal taxi, his death brings into sharp focus the dangerous conditions under which taxi and bus operators have to work.

“[While] we can provide all the tips in the world on safe travel for drivers and passengers, these heartless criminals will leave nothing in their quest to rob and kill members of the sector and there is no security measures in place to protect operators,” argued TODSS.

Reports from the Constant Spring police are that about 8:30 pm, Palmer picked up two male passengers near the intersection of Molynes Road and Washington Boulevard.

Shortly after, shots were heard and his body was reportedly thrown from his vehicle near Lindsay Crescent.

The killers escaped in Palmer’s motorcar, however the motor vehicle was later found on Maxfield Avenue, St Andrew.