On 27th June 2014 Birmingham Businessman and British National Keith Murrain travelled to Jamaica on Business as he owned a heavy Machinery Company in Portmore and upon arrival he was kidnapped and his remains were discovered in a shallow grave adjacent to a sugar cane field in Bernard Lodge Spanish Town.
It took some six months of lobbying for all parties to get their acts together in order to establish some fruitful lines of communications in addition to this matter being given the priority it deserves.
Following further lobbying and the involvement of the Prime Minister David Cameron here in the UK, this investigation is now being supervised by The Commissioner of Police in Jamaica and there are reasonably good lines of communications to date. Unfortunately, as we approach the anniversary of Keith's death there have been no arrests.
At a time when Jamaica is seeking further investment and support from the Diaspora, there have been concerns raised about the safety of British Nationals and Returning residents as there is a common feeling that many a targeted. We know that crime happens anywhere in the world, however, there are many that would like to help transform Jamaica into the economic powerhouse it could be, which would have an effect on education, poverty,crime,employment, inflation and standards of living.
This matter was raised with Andrew Holness, this week on a visit to Birmingham Keith's home city here in the UK and a letter was given to him asking not only for his support, but, also for an inquiry to look at the issues which this case has raised as it was not only the matter of safety, it was also the lack of a caring and structured response by the authorities, which is not a good advert for Jamaica.
Many accused the Murrain family of making Jamaica look bad, however, I would contend that the initial lack of a coordinated and cooperative response by the authorities if anything made Jamaica look bad.
Vision is important, however, by admitting there are problems, is the only way to move forward by resolving them in order to boost confidence.
The Murrain Family is hosting a Memorial Event on Friday 26th June 2015 commencing 9.30pm at The Heartlands Social Club in Nechells Birmingham to commemorate the first anniversary of Keith's passing. This is extended to the whole community
The quest for answers continue with a more optimistic view.
Desmond Jaddoo
7th June 2015
It took some six months of lobbying for all parties to get their acts together in order to establish some fruitful lines of communications in addition to this matter being given the priority it deserves.
Following further lobbying and the involvement of the Prime Minister David Cameron here in the UK, this investigation is now being supervised by The Commissioner of Police in Jamaica and there are reasonably good lines of communications to date. Unfortunately, as we approach the anniversary of Keith's death there have been no arrests.
At a time when Jamaica is seeking further investment and support from the Diaspora, there have been concerns raised about the safety of British Nationals and Returning residents as there is a common feeling that many a targeted. We know that crime happens anywhere in the world, however, there are many that would like to help transform Jamaica into the economic powerhouse it could be, which would have an effect on education, poverty,crime,employment, inflation and standards of living.
This matter was raised with Andrew Holness, this week on a visit to Birmingham Keith's home city here in the UK and a letter was given to him asking not only for his support, but, also for an inquiry to look at the issues which this case has raised as it was not only the matter of safety, it was also the lack of a caring and structured response by the authorities, which is not a good advert for Jamaica.
Many accused the Murrain family of making Jamaica look bad, however, I would contend that the initial lack of a coordinated and cooperative response by the authorities if anything made Jamaica look bad.
Vision is important, however, by admitting there are problems, is the only way to move forward by resolving them in order to boost confidence.
The Murrain Family is hosting a Memorial Event on Friday 26th June 2015 commencing 9.30pm at The Heartlands Social Club in Nechells Birmingham to commemorate the first anniversary of Keith's passing. This is extended to the whole community
The quest for answers continue with a more optimistic view.
Desmond Jaddoo
7th June 2015