KINGSTON, Jamaica— Prime Minister Andrew Holness wore blue to support police on Tuesday as the Jamaica Constabulary Force staged its counter protest against advocacy group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ ) which wore black to bring attention to increased police killings locally.

Holness pointed out that gangs were the main perpetrators of murders and cited the recent killing of a 14-year-old student as one reason why he was supporting the police.

“There is the tragic murder of a 14-year-old girl just going to the shop to get something and caught up in gang warfare. She has nothing to do with it. She’s totally innocent. She’s looking forward to the rest of her life like any other Jamaican, only to have her life taken by criminals involved in gang warfare. That side of the story needs to be focused on, and Jamaicans should put their support behind the police to actually finally bring an end to the gangs,” the prime minister said.

Holness sought updates on the teen girl and was told by Senior Superintendent of Police Damion Manderson that the lawmen were following “some very strong leads”.

Manderson added: “What we are getting at this stage is that the perpetrators possibly, all of it being gang-related, but it’s a wanton shooting with an intent of getting somebody who they did not get, and that these are players possibly from outside of the space. We are in dialogue with other divisions as we are in pursuit of these individuals. We won’t relent, it is our intent to bring them into custody.”

Acknowledging concerns about the increase in police killings, Holness said: “Obviously, the JCF’s increased activities in interdicting criminals and in dealing with the gangs would have caused a significant increase in the loss of life of those who challenged them. But I think the country should also understand that the gang warfare is at a level where we must respond and respond decisively.”

He pointed out that gangs are thought to be responsible for 80 per cent of murders committed locally.

“If we are able to eliminate, undermine, and eradicate the gangs, our murder rates would fall to below the regional average,” Holness said.

Manderson reiterated JCF rhetoric that the police were only doing their jobs when met with aggressive criminals

“What we face out there are individuals who are willing to take on law enforcement, who are willing to fire at will, but we are resolute. We are resolute and we are trained, equipped to treat with same, and we are and will continue to serve. We have seen that police officers who have gone outside the use of force policy, they have been dealt with, they have been disciplined, and they have been interdicted,” he said.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness speaks to Senior Superintendent of police Damion Manderson