WESTMORELAND, Jamaica – A man was shot dead and his sister injured at his business establishment in Big Bridge, Westmoreland on Thursday afternoon as the parish continues to bleed despite the declaration of a state of public emergency ( SOE).

The deceased has been identified as 29-year old Romario Dillion otherwise called “Two face” of Fullersfield in Grange Hill.

Reports are that Dillion, who operated a restaurant and bar, was inside his

business place with his sister when they were pounced upon by men travelling in a Toyota Mark X motorcar.

The men reportedly alighted from the vehicle and opened gunfire hitting him and the woman several times.

The police were alerted and the victims taken to the hospital where Dillion was pronounced dead. The woman was admitted for treatment.

SOEs are now in effect for the parishes of St James and Westmoreland.

The SOEs, which commenced at 12:01 am on Thursday, will remain in effect for an initial period of 14 days.

According to a release, the SOEs were once again declared in these parishes due to a spike in violence.

Over the period January 1, 2023, to June 19, 2023 Westmoreland recorded the second-highest number of murders across police divisions for the same period with a total of 54 murders,” s statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said.

– Kimberley Peddie