KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, has condemned the brutal killing of nine-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon in St Catherine and is urging members of her community to cooperate with the police as they work to bring the perpetrator to justice.

She is also reminding the public of the $2 million reward being offered by the Government through the Ministry of National Security.

In a statement, Grange, who is the Member of Parliament for St Catherine Central where the child was killed, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and emphasised the importance of justice over retaliation.

“The news of the horrific killing of a nine-year-old girl, Kelsey Ferrigon, in my constituency has shocked and angered the nation,” Grange said. “As a nation, we are all pained by this cruel and wicked act of violence. It feels overwhelming to us, but just imagine how much more difficult it is for Kelsey’s family and friends, especially her mother on the eve of Mother’s Day.”

“Understandably, there is a lot of sadness and anger in the constituency, but we need justice for Kelsey, not revenge,” Grange continued.

The minister also commended the police for the intensity of their investigations so far and encouraged her constituents to work closely with law enforcement to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

“I call on anyone with information about this horrific incident to make a report to the police,” Grange said, adding that, “The Minister of National Security is offering $2 million for information, which we hope will lead to the quick capture of the perpetrator in this case.”

Grange noted that the Government is offering support to Kelsey’s family and called for thoughtful prayers for the grieving relatives.

“I spent the day in the constituency trying to comfort and commiserate with those who have been affected by this latest act of brutality against a little girl. Like everyone there, I feel the pain of this vile act to my core,” she said.

Ferrigon’s partially naked body was discovered about 8:00 pm Friday at her home on Job Lane in Spanish Town, St Catherine. The police have since named Giovanni Ellis, otherwise called “Coolie Man,” as a person of interest in the case and are urging him to turn himself in immediately.

Read: 9-y-o girl murdered in Spanish Town; police name person of interest

Read: Gov’t offers $2m reward in 9-y-o girl’s murder in Spanish Town