Athaliah Reynolds, Staff Reporter

On Monday, Alburn Edward Blake walked into a Wendy's restaurant in West Palm Beach, Florida and opened fire, killing one man before taking his own life.

Reports in the overseas media are that Blake was born in Jamaica.

When The Gleaner contacted the Jamaica Consulate office in Miami, Jamaica Information Service (JIS) officer, Cheryl Wynter, confirmed that Blake was, in fact, Jamaican.

She was however unable to give any further details as to where in the island he was born or what his family connections were.

"All I can say at this time is that he was born in Jamaica and came here on resident status," Wynter said.

Moved to Florida

According to PalmBeachPost.com, Blake was born in Jamaica, but moved to Florida 23 years ago.

Reports are that the 60-year-old landscaper walked into the crowded restaurant about 12:15 p.m., dressed in a sport coat and tie, and headed straight to the men's room.

He emerged several minutes later and immediately began spraying shots across the restaurant, killing a paramedic and injuring four others before shooting himself.

Investigators said Blake may have been depressed due to financial troubles.

Speaking with The Gleaner on Wednesday, Irwine Clare, managing director of the Caribbean Immigrant Services in New York, extended his condolences to the family of the dead paramedic and to those who were injured.

"The Jamaican and Caribbean community join with the rest of the world as we speak out against and condemn this heinous and tragic crime," he told The Gleaner from his office in New York.

"I would, however, like to categorically state that this is in no way a reflection of Jamaicans and Jamaican immigrants," added Clare.

A haven for immigrants

Clare said the United States was a haven for many immigrants from different countries and different walks of life who are exposed, like anyone else, to the same influences.

"Crime can happen at anytime and anywhere," he said. "It has no race, ethnicity, country or culture."

Clare, however, said he hoped the incident would not further malign Jamaica's already delicate image, and that the Jamaican community and its authorities would work assiduously to ensure that all is done to repair whatever damage may have been caused.

athaliah.reynolds@gleanerjm.com