Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the killing of the St. Catherine pastor, near his home recently, represents how violence producers have little regard for anyone.

Lynval Lewis, the pastor of the Spanish Town and Greater Portmore Tabernacle churches, was rushed to hospital on Monday, after being shot several times, in his car.

He died while receiving medical treatment.

Prime Minister Holness, who was speaking during a virtual meeting with the Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches yesterday (December 21), condemned the incident.

He acknowledged, that the most impactful strategy, to eliminate murder from the society, is to change the hearts of men, through social and religious mores, and the culture of the society.

Mr. Holness said, while these are roles championed by the church, changes will not be seen immediately.

Noting that changes must happen now to address the murder crisis in the country, the Prime Minister said the government will continue to use the emergency powers to save lives.

He again hinted that new States of Public Emergency could be declared before the end of the year.