Nagra Plunkett, Staff Reporter
WESTERN BUREAU:
THE QUIET rural community of Berkshire in eastern Westmoreland is now mourning the death of one of its members, 54-year-old housewife Sandra 'Debbie' Robinson, who was shot dead by gunmen at her home on Sunday night.
Reports from the Bethel Town police are that, at about about 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, Ms. Robinson and her daughter were sitting on a verandah at their home when one of two armed men walked up to them and, without warning, pointed his weapon at Ms. Robinson and opened fire.
It is further reported that on seeing family members rallying around the injured woman, the killer, who was walking towards the gate of the yard, turned back and fired a second shot into Ms. Robinson's body before making his escape.
Ms. Robinson, who received gunshot wounds to the head and abdomen, died on the spot. Her daughter managed to escape unharmed.
"I can't tell you how I feel. I don't even know how I'm going to live it out," her childhood friend, Evelyn Shakes, related yesterday. "Oh God! All now mi a tremble and cry, a mi best friend."
Ms. Shakes was also at a loss in trying to ascertain a possible motive for the vicious attack on her friend, which has left her traumatised and the community in shock.
The deceased is the 28th person to be killed in the parish of Westmoreland since the start of this year.
COUNCILLOR OUTRAGED
Yesterday, Luther Buchanan, the People's National Party (PNP) Councillor for the Leamington division which includes Berkshire, expressed outrage at the killing of Ms. Robinson, who he said he knew personally.
He also raised concerns about security in the area, which he said has been experiencing an increase in criminal activities in recent times.
"The Bethel Town police are woefully inadequate when it comes on to dealing with the crime situation," Councillor Buchanan told The Gleaner. "I believe that it is one of the biggest police areas; as an out-station, it has to police 36 major communities."
"I wrote to the Minister of National Security some time ago asking for a police station in Seaford as this would help to bolster the capacity of the lawmen at Bethel Town, but nothing has been done," continued the councillor. "I am appealing to the relevant authorities to look into the matter urgently."
