Mark Beckford, Staff Reporter

Gunmen last night brazenly opened fire on Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Member of Parliament for West St. Thomas, James Robertson, while he did last-minute campaigning for tomorrow's local government elections, injuring three persons in the process.

The police confirmed that one man died in hospital last night from gunshot wounds.

According to initial reports from the police, there was a JLP motorcade in the Seaforth area of the parish when, upon reaching Navarre Lane, shots were heard.

Men running in bushes

Robertson, who is Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, told The Gleaner last night that he, local government representatives and members of his team were walking in Navarre Lane when they saw a group of six young men running in bushes.

He said the men then opened fire on the group. "A gentleman to my left was shot in the head, my driver who was to my right was shot in his wrist, and a man who was behind me was shot in the back," Robertson said.

'Rein in supporters'

The minister said he knows the identity of the young men and claim they support the Opposition People's National Party (PNP). This was not confirmed by the police. Robertson has, however, called on the leadership of the PNP to rein in their supporters. He said he would be increasing his own security.

This shooting comes over a week after the shooting of JLP councillor for the Rae Town division Rosalee Hamilton. Ms. Hamilton, who lives in the volatile Southside community in central Kingston, was sitting at her gate with a group when a lone gunman approached and shot at them. She was shot in her chest. She has since been released form hospital and on Sunday resumed campaigning for tomorrow's polls.

mark.beckford@gleanerjm.com