Reggae artiste Christopher ‘Chris’ Martin has spoken out against the deadly violence that marred his grandmother’s wake in Point Hill, St Catherine on Wednesday morning, leaving one man dead and several others injured.
In a statement posted on his Instagram account on Wednesday, Martin expressed his devastation at the senseless act.
“My heart is heavy this morning as I reflect on the tragic events that occurred last night at my beloved grandmother’s wake,” he wrote.
Martin’s grandmother, a woman he described as having “deep faith and endless sacrifice,” was said to have also taught him “the true meaning of love and community”.
Continuing, the entertainer said: “It’s devastating to see violence cast a shadow over what should have been a moment of peace and remembrance.”
Martin also condemned all forms of violence, and extended his sympathies to the families who have been affected.
“I pray for those involved to come forward, and for our community to support the authorities in bringing justice.
“Jamaica, we must do better. Life is too precious to be consumed by violence. Let’s choose peace,” he urged.
Martin ended his statement with a call to action, using the hashtags #PutDownTheGuns #ChooseLife #HonorHerLegacy.
Reports are that seven persons were shot, one fatally, by gunmen in the incident on Wednesday.
The authorities said about 2:45 am, people in the community were at the wake when gunmen invaded the area and opened fire on the crowd.
The men then escaped from the area.
When the smoke had cleared, seven people were found suffering from gunshot shots.
They were rushed to hospital, where one was pronounced dead and the others were admitted for treatment.
The attack came 13 days after 17 persons were shot in a gun attack in the Cherry Tree Lane area of Four Paths, Clarendon on a Sunday night, with eight of the victims dying from their injuries.
