Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

Spanish Town, St. Catherine:

Services at the St Jago Park Health Centre in Spanish Town, St Catherine had to be suspended yesterday, following a brazen daylight double murder at the facility.

Two men, who had gone to the health centre, were shot and killed by gunmen while they were awaiting treatment.

During the incident, a baby was trampled upon and subsequently had to be hospitalised.

The men killed are Moses Kerr, 19-year-old labourer, and Jeffrey Palmer, both of Shelter Rock. Reports from the police are that, about 9:40 yesterday morning, Palmer and Kerr were among clients at the health centre when two men on foot entered, brandished handguns, and shot both men, before making their escape through the Spanish Town Hospital.

When the shots went off, persons waiting to be treated set off on a mad rush during which the infant was injured.

When The Gleaner visited the centre, scores of curious onlookers, as well as police personnel, were on the scene. Kerr's body was still in the waiting area of the facility and several pairs of shoes were strewn across the floor, telling the tale of the stampede to escape.

One worker at the health centre said it was shocking that gunmen could carry out an attack at such a facility.

Reprisal

Head of the St Catherine North Police Division, Deputy Superintendent Derrick Champagnie, said the attack was a reprisal for the killing of Robert Thickett, whose torso was found near the Jones Avenue two weeks ago. He said the police would be increasing their presence and would be paying particular attention to the health centre and the general area of Spanish Town.

In a statement yesterday, the Health Ministry said it has held, and will continue to hold, counselling sessions for staff at the facility.