Kingston, 10 May 2025 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has condemned the horrific killing of a nine year old girl, Kelsey Ferrigon, in St Catherine and urged members of her community against seeking revenge.

In a statement this evening, Minister Grange said the Government was offering support to Kelsey’s family and a reward will be offered for information leading to the capture of the perpetrator.

The Minister’s full statement follows:

“The news of the horrific killing of a nine year old girl, Kelsey Ferrigon, in my constituency has shocked and angered the nation.

As a nation, we are all pained by this cruel and wicked act of violence. It feels overwhelming to us, but just imagine how much more difficult it is for Kelsey’s family and friends, especially her mother on the eve of Mother's Day.

Speaking as the Minister for Gender Affairs and as Kelsey’s Member of Parliament, I ask that we remember the family and the entire community in our prayers. As Government, we will provide all the support that we can at this time, but your thoughtful prayers will also be appreciated.

I spent the day in the constituency trying to comfort and commiserate with those who have been affected by this latest act of brutality against a little girl. Like everyone there, I feel the pain of this vile act to my core.

Understandably there is a lot of sadness and anger in the constituency, but we need justice for Kelsey, not revenge. I commend the police for the intensity of their investigations so far. I urge my constituents to work with the police in our pursuit of justice.

I call on anyone with information about this horrific incident to make a report to the police. The Minister of National Security is offering two million dollars for information, which we hope will lead to the quick capture of the perpetrator in this case.”

END