The Government on Monday posted a $2-million bounty for information leading to the arrests of the individuals responsible for Sunday night’s mass killing in Commodore, Linstead, St Catherine, what Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness labelled an “act of criminal terror”.

Five people, among them a four-year-old girl, Shannon Gordon, were slain when gunmen opened fire in a yard in the district.

The other deceased have been identified as 39-year-old Iysha Washington, 42-year-old Mario Sullivan, 19-year-old Jushane Edwards, and a 22-year-old security guard who was identified only as Famous Amos.

Four other people, including an 11-year-old girl, were shot and injured.

“This crime amounts to what I would describe as an act of criminal terror. It is designed to bring on the people of the community the highest level of fear and to undermine the effectiveness of the State,” Prime Minister Holness said during a visit to the community to meet with grieving families.

“I’m here to personally express to the family members my sincere and deep condolence on this very tragic incident which has taken the lives of five innocent Jamaicans and has threatened the lives of members of the community,” Holness said.

“The entire Government will be mobilised to give support to the victims and the loved ones of the victims,” he added.

Holness emphasised that while Jamaica has made steady progress in reducing murders over the past three years, the incident underscores the continuing threat posed by “dangerous and evil persons” who terrorise communities.

He reaffirmed his full support for the security forces, urging them to deploy all necessary resources to bring the perpetrators to justice while maintaining respect for human rights and the rule of law. He also pointed to lessons learned from previous incidents, noting that the police response will include long-term presence in the community to prevent reprisals and ensure residents’ safety.

Holness was accompanied by Dr Horace Chang, the Minister of National Security and Peace, who also condemned the killings and appealed to the public to share any information that can lead to the arrest and charge of those responsible.

“The deliberate killing of a child and the slaughter of innocent people cannot and will not go unanswered,” Dr Chang said. “We are determined to bring those responsible to justice and to restore peace to the people of Commodore.”

Both Holness and Chang, along with members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, met with grieving families and residents.