Minister of Education Santia Bradshaw condemned a fatal shooting which occurred this morning, a stone’s throw away from St Alban’s Primary School, Weston, St James, in the presence of children and staff.
Marlon Holder, 37 years, of Maynards Housing Area, St Peter, and formerly of Hill View Road, Marley Vale, St Phillip, was shot and killed just as he was dropping off his son at the school.
Bradshaw, who was speaking to the media after meeting with staff, said students would have been on their way to school, some were already on the compound, and staff – both teachers and ancillary – were also present. The latter had to deal with the screaming and crying students after the incident.
“For someone to be able to take this step, to come so close to the proximity of a school without regard for the lives of the students, and in particular the staff at this institution, is something that none of us in this society must tolerate,” Bradshaw said.
She urged members of the public who may have information to come forward and assist police with their investigations.
While no classes will be held tomorrow, the school will be open for counseling services to those affected.
Principal Wendine Prince said their task would be to get children “back to a sense of normalcy in short order” and would monitor the students going forward.
Police say they responded to a report of a shooting incident at Taylors Gap, Weston, around 8:10 a.m. and saw a private car with bullet holes. Holder’s body was also lying on the compound of a nearby residence.
Members of the public who may have any knowledge or information about this incident are asked to contact Holetown Police Station at 419-1700, Police Emergency at 211, Crime Stoppers 1-800-8477 (TIPS) or any police station. (PR/SAT)
