US visitor shot at Big Wall says he’s traumatised, needs urgent surgical treatment

One of the three men shot and injured at post-carnival party Big Wall on Sunday says the ordeal has left him deeply traumatised and facing urgent medical treatment back home in the United States.

Jeremy Watson, who was attending the “Big Wall Revolution” event at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew, in a statement on Monday, said the incident has caused him “significant physical, emotional, and financial distress.”

He said what was meant to be his final night in Jamaica for the Carnival season quickly turned into a nightmare.

Watson, who said he visits the island annually for the festivities, said he had just arrived at the event with friends and family when the incident occurred.

“Within approximately five minutes of entering the venue, I was struck by a stray bullet resulting from an altercation involving entertainers,” he said.

In addition to Watson, also shot were popular vlogger Jaii Frais, whose given name is Jhaedee Richards, and 36-year-old Trevor Twaite, who is of a Kingston 6 address and who is reportedly associated with the entertainment group “450”. Twaite is reportedly in critical condition.

According to investigators, Jaii Frais told the police that shortly after arriving at the venue with his girlfriend, he went to the restroom.

The Gleaner understands that upon exiting, he was allegedly confronted and struck in the face by the producer.

According to the police, Richards reported that he was then attacked by a group of about 15 men, during which one of the attackers reportedly pulled a firearm and pointed it at him.

He reportedly told the police that he managed to disarm the individual.

According to the police, Jaii Frais claimed that a popular music producer and artiste manager, who is known to him, then pulled a firearm from his waistband and opened fire in his direction while he was being assaulted.

They further indicated that Richards told the police that he returned fire using the weapon he had taken before fleeing the scene.

The vlogger, according to the police, said he later sought assistance from a police officer at the venue, handed over the firearm, and shortly after realised he had been shot in the lower back.

He was transported to the University Hospital of the West Indies, where he remains under police guard while receiving treatment.

The other two men, including Watson, were also taken to hospital for treatment.

The music producer has been taken into custody by the police as part of their investigation into the incident.

Watson described the experience as deeply traumatic, noting that patrons attending organised, paid events should be able to expect a safe and secure environment.

“This incident represents a serious failure in ensuring that environment,” he said.

According to Watson, his injuries have been deemed severe, with the potential for long-term disability due to nerve damage.

He said he is now expected to return to the United States to undergo urgent surgical treatment.

Watson also raised concerns about the emergency response at the event, claiming that while an ambulance was present, according to him, it was not adequately equipped to provide basic medical care.

“Personnel were unable to provide essential care to manage my bleeding,” he alleged.

He is now calling for greater accountability from event organisers, arguing that stricter safety measures and proper emergency preparedness must be enforced.

“No individual attending an event for enjoyment should have their life threatened or leave with life-altering injuries due to preventable failures in safety and preparedness,” Watson said.

He added that he hopes the incident will serve as a wake-up call for authorities and promoters to prioritise the safety and well-being of patrons.

Police have since launched investigations into the shooting.

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