KINGSTON, Jamaica— Prime Minister Andrew Holness is expressing deep sadness at the killing of 27-year-old police constable Kemar Francis, who was shot while patrolling on Pretoria Road in the Maxfield Avenue area last night.

Holness said he was heartbroken for Francis’ family, who must now endure immeasurable grief following his death.

“I am deeply sorry for their tremendous loss and I pray that they are comforted and strengthened during this most trying time,” Holness said.

Holness added that he was deeply saddened and disturbed by the news that yet another member of the security forces was gunned down.

“The killing of members of our security forces represents an attack on the Jamaican state. The series of attacks on the security forces cannot be treated as coincidental. The Jamaican state must speak with one voice against this emerging trend where criminals are emboldened to target our security forces. It is not merely a matter of condemning these killings, the entire society, its institutions and its leaders must clearly stand against criminals, and not empower criminals by their pronouncements and actions. When the society is ambivalent in its pronouncements and actions, criminals interpret this as weakness and increase their level and intensity of crime and disorder.”

Holness said the Government will continue to build a national consensus on crime fighting involving all stakeholders.

“However, the country and indeed the brave men and women of the security forces, can rest assured that the Government I lead will not sit by helplessly while criminals are emboldened to challenge the state, and endanger the lives of law abiding citizens,” he added.

“The Government of Jamaica will continue to support the security forces with the resources they need to effectively degrade the criminal scourge. I am confident in the growing capacity and capabilities of our security forces. The Jamaica Defence Force and the Jamaica Constabulary Force are professional organisations sworn to protect our citizens through upholding the law. I am confident that while they grieve these tragic killings of their members, their resolve to lawfully fight crime is only made stronger.”