Ja Ambassador condemns missionaries deaths

Jamaica's out-going ambassador to the United States, Ralph Thomas, has joined those condemning the brutal murder of American missionaries, Randy Hentzel and Harold Nichols in Albion Mountain, St Mary, a fortnight ago.

Ambassador Thomas, who previously served as Jamaica's ambassador to China, says Jamaica owes a debt of gratitude to the slain missionaries and others who are doing God's work by helping the poor and vulnerable in real and tangible ways.

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Writing on his Facebook page, Thomas said despite the killings and subsequent negative international media highlights, Jamaicans are generally good people who welcome visitors and keep them safe.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the two missionaries who lost their lives under tragic circumstances and also to their families in America," Ambassador Thomas posted. "We are praying with you and I ask Jamaica to join in prayers and to carry out a pledge that never again should this occur."

He argued Jamaicans to seize the moment and use it as a catalyst to address and break the cycle of violence and injustice. This threatens our development and the enjoyment of the gift of God's creation and the beauty of Jamaica that is shared openly with visitors.

Hentzel and Nichols were found dead with gunshot and chop wounds. The murders triggered a firestorm of negative reporting especially from American-based media outlets.