WATCH: ‘Not one demonstration’
Member of Parliament for Western Kingston Desmond McKenzie says he is worried that the death of National Under-19 footballer and Cavalier Football Club striker Omar Laing was not met with more outrage.
Speaking at the official opening of a cluster of bathrooms at the St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) on Thursday, McKenzie called on students and staff to support the government as it attempts to curtail the surge of violence in the country.
“What is worrying me is that I don’t see anybody demonstrate for the death of this young innocent school footballer, not one demonstration! But, make the police carry out them job, [and] road block,” the minister said.
Laing, a student of STATHS, was fatally shot in a drive-by on Charles Street in West Kingston on Friday, April 22. He was celebrating his 18th birthday when he was shot.
Laing was also the leading goal scorer for STATHS last year during the ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup competition.
“The country needs to send a strong message and it has to start here at St Andrew Technical. The country cannot afford to lose its future at the rate we are going because of criminal elements in this country who continue to challenge the state. But the state is not going to lie down and allow criminal terrorists to take over this country,” McKenzie added.
During a visit to the school in April, Inspector Tanecia Johnson, National Safe Schools Unit Coordinator, promised to find those responsible for his killing.
“Footballers, as I said, there is not any amount of words to console you, but from the Jamaica Constabulary Force – we pledge that we will put out all stops; we will stop at nothing at all— and this is not just talking— to ensure that those who are involved in the killing of young Omar will be brought to justice,” Johnson said.
“That’s a promise, and we will be delivering on that promise. And just as how we come now to try and console you— because we have to, you are hurting— we will be back here in short order to deliver the message that we have them. You can depend on us,” she added.
