KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang says Wednesday morning’s shooting in Point Hill, St Catherine was the result of internal gang conflict.

Noting that initial information suggests that the perpetrators were quarrelling over scamming money, Dr Chang said the police have since identified and apprehended several suspects.

“There are two they are particularly after, I think they have one out of the two. This appeared to be an internal gang operation. In this case, although it was St Catherine, they were quarrelling over the sharing of scamming money…Most regrettable activity but the police is getting good information and are tracking down all the killers,” the minister said while speaking with Observer Online.

Seven people were shot at the wake being held for reggae artiste Chris Martin’s grandmother early Wednesday morning. One other person, who was reportedly a few metres away from the wake, was also fatally wounded.

The incident reportedly occurred around 2:00 am.

READ: Chris Martin saddened after 7 shot at grandmother’s wake

Minister Chang noted, however, that the police was not informed of the wake which he highlighted as an issue in ensuring public safety.

“Chris Martin going to a wake is going to be a big event and the police should have been informed. I am told they were not aware of it until the shooting came about,” Dr Chang said.

He appealed to the wider society, noting that cooperation with the police means keeping them informed, not only of breaches of law but also when there gatherings and activities.

“Please when activities are coming up, inform the police. We have no interest in disrupting our entertainment and cultural activities but we want to have them conducted safely and the police can only assure you of that when they aware and made to know that the activities are coming up,” the minister said.