The recent murder of a man and wounding of a security guard in the vicinity of a hotel in St James has left residents calling for more to be done to control crime.

Based on reports, a 50 year old man who sells in the vicinity of Mammee Bay Rd, Ironshore St James was in his car at a car wash when he was pounced upon by gun men who shot him multiple times. A security guard who works at a nearby hotel was shot by a stray bullet and remains in critical condition.

According to a resident, the presence of the armed forces does not deter criminals who still conduct crime in the parish. However, it having daunting repercussion to the business and tourism industry.

On Tuesday January 28, the house of representatives approved the extension of the state of emergency in St James for a further 90 days. Many are however of the belief that the SOES are not targeting the hot spots in communities.