KINGSTON, Jamaica – Denise Daley, shadow minister on gender has condemned the brutal murder of paralegal Sandra Risden.

Risden died on Thursday morning after she was shot by unknown assailants as she made her way to work. Reports are that Risden was travelling alone in a grey Toyota Corolla along the roadway when, upon reaching a section of Washington Boulevard and Aldene Drive, a motorcycle with two men aboard approached. The pillion rider reportedly pulled out a firearm and opened fire at her.

READ: UPDATE: Senior paralegal gunned down on Washington Boulevard

In expressing concern over what she described as “the increasing incidents of violence against women and girls,” Daley declared that such “calculatedly callous acts have no place in our society” and needs to be addressed urgently.

“There is no place for such violence in our society. We must do more to protect the lives and dignity of women,” Daley expressed in a release on Thursday. Her cries also come in light of Wednesday’s assault on Councillor Patricia Harris. Harris was assaulted by the man after they reportedly got into an argument over where she parked her vehicle. Daley said the latter “further underscores the urgent need for increased security measures and heightened public awareness.”

“Violence against women, whether in the workplace, public or private spaces, is an affront to our values and a threat to the safety of our citizens. We cannot tolerate such acts, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all,” she continued.

Among other things, Daley is calling for heightened law enforcement vigilance, emphasising the need for swift and thorough investigations, coupled with the rapid prosecution of perpetrators to ensure justice prevails. The shadow minister underscored the significance of community engagement and urged the implementation of grassroots initiatives to raise awareness, educate communities, and foster a culture of zero tolerance towards gender-based violence.

“We cannot stand idly by while women continue to face violence in our society. More needs to be done, and it is our duty to ensure the safety and dignity of every individual. Let us unite in our resolve to eradicate violence against women and girls from our communities,” she said.