As political tensions intensify ahead of the upcoming general elections this year, Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Member of Parliament (MP) Donavan Williams and his supporters were shot at by armed assailants Tuesday evening.
According to reports, the incident occurred at the corner of Lower South Camp Road and Tower Street in a section of Parade Gardens, which is known as Southside. In the past, the constituency of Central Kingston was plagued by politically fuelled violence, with deadly incidents such as the Gold Street Massacre and the Green Bay Massacre claiming the lives of several Jamaicans.
Williams, the current MP for Central Kingston, is seeking reelection for his second term in this year’s election. Prior to his election in 2020, the constituency had been a traditionally safe seat for the People’s National Party (PNP).
Reports state that yesterday, Williams, the MP’s bodyguards, and members of his campaign team were erecting campaign signs when a vehicle approached on Tower Street. After two men exited the vehicle and began walking in William’s direction, an alarm was raised by a member of the group.
According to reports from Nationwide News, some men who were close to Williams took evasive action, after which the crowd suddenly dispersed. The assailants proceeded to open fire at the group as they retreated to their car.
A bullet damaged Williams’ campaign vehicle, but none of the individuals present sustained any injuries. In an appeal to his supporters after the incident, Williams said that the shooting is under investigation and that he and his team will not be intimidated.
“At this time, I want to appeal to our supporters to remain calm. We will not be intimidated, but I appeal for calm. The police have been informed and are actively investigating the incident,” Williams said.
