The government has repurposed a reward fund to encourage citizen’s cooperation in giving information leading to the capture and conviction of criminals responsible for mass shooting incidents.

The then $25m, now $30m fund, was announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness following a deadly multiple victim shooting incident in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon in August. 

In that incident, 17 people were shot, 9 of them fatally.

Following a similar incident on Bowens Road in St. Andrew on November 2, where 8 people were shot, 2 of them fatally, Mr. Holness said there would be an increase in the incentive.

Today, during a visit to Waltham Park, St. Andrew, where 5 people were shot and killed last evening the Prime Minister announced that $5m has been added to the reward fund.

He said last evening’s incident appears to have been gang related.

He said the government will not relent in its efforts to disrupt criminal gangs, protect communities and create a safer Jamaica.