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.
“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 under way 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 have 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 enquiries.”
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 effects 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 behaviour. 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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