Gas stations on high alert after bloody robbery

Service station operators across Jamaica are being urged to tighten security after a pump attendant was shot and critically injured during a brazen robbery in Kingston that ended hours later with two alleged gunmen being fatally shot by police.

The Jamaica Gasolene Retailers Association (JGRA) on Thursday condemned the attack, describing it as another reminder of the dangers faced by frontline workers.

The female attendant remains in critical condition in hospital.

Hours after the shooting on Deanery Road in Kingston, police fatally shot two men believed to have been involved after they reportedly confronted officers during an operation in Spanish Town, St Catherine.

One of the deceased has been identified as 22-year-old Xavier Flowers. The other man, known only by the alias "Gunners", has not yet been formally identified.

JGRA President Philip Chong said the attack has left service station employees increasingly vulnerable and called on operators to strengthen security measures.

"The recent shooting of a hardworking breadwinner, someone simply trying to support their family, is a tragic and senseless act that demands swift resolution," Chong said.

He also appealed to the Jamaica Constabulary Force to continue regular patrols at service stations despite the demands on the force's resources.

The association is encouraging operators to upgrade their closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, arguing that improved surveillance will strengthen criminal investigations and support the JamaicaEye programme, with which the JGRA has an existing memorandum of understanding.

Chong noted that many service stations have already reduced their exposure to robberies by moving away from cash transactions, with most purchases now made using debit and credit cards.

As an additional security measure, customers will now be required to lower their vehicle windows while conducting transactions with attendants to improve visibility and enhance employee safety.

The JGRA also expressed sympathy to the injured attendant's family and reaffirmed its commitment to working with law enforcement to improve the safety of service station operators, employees and customers.