Three people among them a child are said to have died following an early Thursday morning incident involving the security forces in Granville, St James.
Residents of Granville in St James staged a fiery protest on New Year’s Day after what they claim was the fatal shooting of three people, allegedly at the hands of members of the security forces.
Demonstrators armed with placards used discarded furniture, household appliances, and other debris to barricade sections of the roadway as they voiced outrage over the incident. Their anger was intensified by reports that a four-year-old child was among the victims, along with two adult men.
According to residents, the actions of the security forces were reckless and unjustified. “Dem kill the baby a four-year-old baby,” one distraught woman told reporters. Another protester accused the officers of acting hastily, stating, “Shoot now and ask question after a that dem come wid.”
Initial reports suggest that the incident unfolded after the security forces responded to what was believed to be a gun salute celebration. Residents claim that following the gunfire, officers began searching the area and questioning community members about wanted men.
“Dem a ask where the wanted man dem deh,” another woman complained during the protest.
Community members are now demanding that INDECOM and other oversight bodies conduct a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. One protester issued a stern warning, declaring, “We will block the road again.”