RESIDENTS of Cherry Tree Lane in Clarendon have been receiving trauma counselling in the wake of Sunday’s horrific attack by gunmen on the community which resulted in the death
of eight people.

Minister in charge of information Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, who was part of a team led by Prime Minister Andrew Holness that visited the area on Monday, told JIS News that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is very active in the community with the Chaplaincy Unit engaging with children and adults, including the loved ones of the deceased.

“There is counselling that is happening. The JCF team is out; we saw several of their chaplains who are active here doing counselling and providing support,” she said.

Morris Dixon said she was particularly concerned about the impact of the incident on the children, many of whom have indicated that they were afraid.

“One lady told me that she hid behind a car and someone who also hid behind the car died. It is really hard, and a lot of people are hurting,” she said, noting that it is important that the trauma teams maintain a presence in the area.

Morris Dixon urged residents to provide any information that can assist the police with their investigations.

“Let us not engage in reprisals; let the police do their work. Let them bring them [the killers] to justice. Let us get justice for the families,” she implored.

Mayor of May Pen Councillor Joel Williams also condemned the brutal attack on the community and urged residents to tell what they know to the police.