Local Government Minister condemns attack on homeless man in St. Mary and calls for public cooperation in ensuring swift apprehension of attackers

Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond Mckenzie has condemned a reported attack on a homeless man in Port Maria, St. Mary yesterday.

Mr. Mckenzie highlighted the incident in a statement today and called for public cooperation in ensuring the swift apprehension of the victim’s attackers.

According to the Ministry of Local Government, the man was near the Port Maria Market when he was attacked and robbed by two young men.

It’s reported that the homeless man is well known in the area, as he helps vendors who use the market, and they occasionally pay him for his services.

According to the release, it is apparent that the attackers had observed the homeless man’s habits and patterns for some time and saw him as a convenient target.

The injured man was taken to the Port Maria Hospital and then transferred to the Kingston Public Hospital.

He said to be in stable condition.

In the meantime, Mr. Mckenzie is urging members of the homeless community to use the Drop-In Centres and Night Shelters which are secure places in which food, medical services and sanitary services are provided daily.

He said in every case in which homeless persons have been attacked over the last few years, including this one, the victims disregarded the pleas of the staff of the centres and shelters to stay on the compound overnight.

Mr. Mckenzie also appealed for the attacks on homeless people which he described as predatory and callous to stop.

He lamented that these are expressions of wickedness on vulnerable people, and all Jamaicans of sound conscience must not only denounce these actions, but tell the police all they know so that a national message is sent that there is no safe space for persons who attack the homeless and they will be pointed out and face the courts and prison.

The Minister also urged civil society organizations to make their voices heard loudly and their influence felt when these incidents arise, as these attacks are clear breaches of human rights and civil liberties.

He then pleaded for a significant shift in public attitudes, from general indifference to consistent concern about the safety of the homeless population.

Mr. Mckenzie expressed confidence that the Jamaica Constabulary Force will bring the perpetrators to justice.