KINGSTON, Jamaica—Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie is condemning an alleged attack on an elderly homeless man in Port Maria, St Mary, early Thursday morning and is calling for public co-operation in ensuring the swift apprehension of his attackers.

According to McKenzie in a press release, early Thursday morning, the elderly man, who has been identified as Raymond Leslie, was near the Port Maria Market when he was attacked and robbed by two young men. He said Leslie is well known in the area and helps vendors who use the market, who occasionally pay him for his services.

“It is apparent that Mr Leslie’s assailants had observed his habits and patterns for some time, and saw him, a homeless individual who is nearly 70 years old, as a convenient target. While I am outraged about this attack, which caused him to be taken first to the Port Maria Hospital and then to be transferred to the Kingston Public Hospital, I am also relieved that he is now in stable condition,” the local government minister said.

The minister is urging the members of our homeless community to use the drop-in centres and night shelters, which he said are secure places in which food, medical services and sanitary services are provided daily.

“In every case in which homeless persons have been attacked over the last few years, including this one, the victims disregarded the pleadings of the staff of the centres and shelters to stay on the compound overnight,” the minister said.

The minister also appealed to individuals to desist from attacking homeless individuals.

“These are expressions of wickedness on vulnerable people, and all Jamaicans of sound conscience must not only denounce these actions, but tell the police all they know so that a national message is sent: If you attack the homeless, there is no safe space for you. You will be pointed out and face the courts and prison,” he said.

He also urged civil society organisations to make their voices heard and their influence felt when these incidents arise, noting that these attacks are clear breaches of human rights and civil liberties.