McKenzie announces clean-up, reinstalling streetlights in Denham Town

Following the tragic killing of three-year-old Jayce Pinnock in Denham Town, Kingston, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, has announced measures to enhance the safety and security of citizens.

The actions include clean-up activities, reinstalling streetlights and cutting overhanging branches.

Speaking during a visit to the Edward Seaga Infant School on Monday, where Jayce was a student, the Minister said that many of the streetlights in the area are out of commission due to illegal connections, a practice he warned will no longer be tolerated.

“I am making it clear – I am not going to allow illegal connections to prevent the wider community from having proper streetlights. So, Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company is in the area. They are going to be working; they are going to be cutting down the overhanging trees [and] reinstalling and replacing lights that have been damaged,” McKenzie said.

Clean-up activities will be conducted, including the removal of old cars.

Young Jayce was fatally shot during a gun attack at his home on Saturday (February 21). His father and eight-year-old brother were injured and are in hospital.

McKenzie, who is Member of Parliament for West Kingston, condemned the incident and has called on the community to cooperate fully with the police in bringing those responsible to justice.

He vowed not to rest until the perpetrators are caught.

“Denham Town residents, we cannot afford this to go for nine days. As long as I have breath in my body, I am going to pursue them and I want you all to join me in getting this done because if they get away with it today, it might be somebody else’s child the next day. So, I am urging you, asking for your cooperation,” he said.

He also implored those responsible to do “the honourable thing… find a pastor and turn themselves in at the nearest police station”.

A $600,000 reward has been offered to anyone with information that will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.

McKenzie announced that a memorial for Jayce will be held in the community park on Tuesday (February 24).

He said that a police and military presence will remain in the area, which he noted, had been seeing a period of calm.

Principal of Edward Seaga Infant School, May Pinnock-Mitchell, said that support and counselling services are being provided for Jayce’s family and the school community following the tragic incident.

Councillor for the Denham Town Division, Dellon Gayle, also committed his support to the grieving family.

He noted his dedication to maintaining the community’s downward trend in crime, noting that the Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO) and social interventions have been instrumental in restoring stability to the area.

- JIS News

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