KINGSTON, Jamaica— Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Friday condemned the brutal killing of Carson Barrett, a 16-year-old student of Grange Hill High in Westmoreland, whose life was snuffed out in what cops say was a gang-related incident.

Barrett was shot and killed on Thursday while walking home from school with a female schoolmate, who was also injured in the incident. Her injuries are not considered life-threatening, police said.

Holness, in a release from his office, made a pledge that criminals who target children will be caught and will receive no mercy.

“This incident and violence in all its forms must be condemned by all Jamaicans. Our children must be free to attend school and live in an environment that promotes peace and safety to help them fulfil their dreams and aspirations. Persons who prey upon our children can expect no mercy. Law enforcement agencies will catch up with them and bring them to justice. Criminals will not win in our society,” the prime minister said.

He went on to assure the public that the government is securing the legal framework to deal with gangs, and it is providing the resources to law enforcement that will be needed to capture gang members.

“We have seen where gangs are grooming our youngsters at an early age. The Government is taking decisive steps to ensure we bolster the laws and equip the police to go after gangsters. The full weight of law enforcement and the security and legal apparatus will be brought to bear on the heartless thugs who carried out this attack. These thugs should receive no sympathies from decent, law-abiding citizens,” he added.

Holness went on to reassure the community and education sector not to cower in fear in the face of the heinous act, adding that the Government will continue to act in their best interest to create a safe environment for learning.

“We urge Jamaicans not to cower in fear.  Your Government is resolute in addressing violence. I want to reassure everyone— teachers, students, parents and communities— that the State will not bow to criminality and lawlessness. We will put measures in place to address this and other incidents. The criminals will not win,” Holness declared.

“I urge all persons with information to tell what they know, give information to law enforcement to apprehend the perpetrators and put them through our criminal justice system,” he continued.