ST JAMES, Jamaica — Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, has commended the police for their work in arresting a suspect in connection with the murders of five homeless people in St James.

“This is an impressive breakthrough in the case. We have had a number of incidents where members of the homeless population have been fatally attacked in a number of parishes including St James. The police force used its investigative skills as well as all the digital technologies at its disposal, thus bringing us to this important stage in the solving of these crimes,” the minister said in a release on Saturday.

Detectives in St James revealed that on Thursday, they arrested a suspect in connection with the killing of five homeless people.

READ: St James Police nab suspect behind killing of five homeless people

McKenzie stated that while he remains “hopeful that attitudes to the homeless will change” he is “encouraged by the diligence with which the constabulary is pursuing offences against our homeless citizens.”

He said that this latest development will serve as a warning to anyone who believes that the society’s most vulnerable are available to be preyed on, abused and killed.

“The police have always been supportive of the work of local government, and I want to assure the force of my support as minister, and the support of the ministry as we continue to strengthen our partnership,” he said. “I appeal for a greater sense of social conscience, so all our citizens can enjoy a constant sense of peace, and I also call on our homeless persons to heed the calls of the municipal corporations to use the drop-In centres and night shelters, which the Government has built for their comfort and security.”