Member of Parliament for St Mary South Eastern, Dr. Norman Dunn, is stressing the importance of cohesive communities in ensuring safe and thriving residential areas.

Pointing to how community members came together to search for two girls who were washed away by a river in Jobs Hill, in the parish last week, Dr. Dunn said this level of collaboration should be undertaken all the time.

14-year-old Hallekaye Smikle’s body was recovered on Saturday (August 27) morning during a search operation, while the body of her 10-year-old relative, Quwana Ricketts was found on Friday.

Dr. Dunn, who has described the incident as a tragedy, noted that while he will provide the appropriate support for the grieving family, community members, including the church are already showing some support.

He said the incident has highlighted communities’ ability to work together to address issues affecting residents.