(CMR) The Premier Hon. G. Wayne Panton has this morning requested His Excellency the Governor Martyn Roper to invite all Members of Parliament to an emergency meeting to be briefed by Police Commissioner Derek Byrne on the recent spate of shootings on Grand Cayman.
Ironically, CMR had called on the government this morning to host just such a press conference after the country woke up to the news this morning that there was a second in one week; this time allegedly involving an AK-47. The airwaves were abuzz with people in the community discussing this matter on The Cold Hard Truth. At one point over 800 people were logged on between 3 social media platforms.
He shared in a press statement:
“I extend condolences to the family of the deceased and I wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured,” said Mr. Panton. “These shootings are shocking, unacceptable and given that some of the victims appear to simply be bystanders, it reflects a risk to everyone in the country. We cannot have gun violence going unchecked.”
Governor Roper said, “I was greatly shocked by last night’s gun attack at Vic’s Bar in George Town resulting in the death of one person, one person in a critical condition and four others injured. Any loss of life is tragic. Our prayers and condolences go out to the family of the murdered victim and all those who were injured.
“I strongly condemn the use of guns in any situation but to fire weapons indiscriminately putting innocent members of the public in great danger cannot be tolerated. An investigation is underway and I have full confidence in the Police Commissioner and RCIPS to bring those responsible to justice as quickly as possible,” Mr. Roper said. “The RCIPS has my full support and that of the UK. I ask the public to remain calm and provide any information that may help the Police with their inquiries.”
Friday morning’s shooting came on the heels of a fatal shooting last Friday on Martin Drive where the victim died at the scene and three others were wounded.
“This is not just a police issue or a national security issue,” said Mr. Panton. “This is a problem that affects everyone in our society. People should not be afraid to go about their daily lives in fear of becoming victims of this sort of heinous behavior. We must take a zero-tolerance approach to any crime, especially gun crime. I urge anyone with any information on either of the shootings to share their information with the police.”
Today’s briefing will be followed by an emergency National Security Council meeting to address the increasing use of illegal guns in our jurisdiction. A further update will be provided to the public outlining a course of action that has been agreed.
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