Jn. Pierre-Emmanuel
Press Secretary to Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony, Jadia Jn. Pierre-Emmanuel, has raised concerns over her own safety after hearing the news about the murder of her colleague, Bahamian Press Secretary Latore Mackey, who was found dead in a vehicle on Monday, August 25.
Speaking on a radio programme today, Jn. Pierre-Emmanuel said while the circumstances surrounding Mackey’s death are still sketchy, there is still a need for persons like herself (in political office) to look out for their own safety.
Jn. Pierre-Emmanuel’s comment was pointed directly to concerns made by Mackey before his death, as it relates to his safety and not specifically what may have led to his murder, given the fact that there is no evidence that links his murder to the political office he held.
However, she claims she was attacked most recently by a female in the parking lot at the Office of the Prime Minister. The press secretary said while she is aware that she must be on her guard, she claims that she is not afraid to discharge her duties as press secretary. Jn. Pierre-Emmanuel said she will continue to do so fearlessly.
Mackey, 37, was found in a black Hyundai Tucson sports utility vehicle in the middle of the road at around 4:30 a.m. The vehicle had collided with a lamp pole near an intersection. He was discovered lying in the vehicle with a gunshot wound to his neck.
Mackey
It is unclear whether Mackey was shot from inside or outside of the car he was travelling in. Robbery may be ruled out, as Mackey was reportedly found with several thousand dollars in cash on him when police arrived at the scene.
Mackey was the Bahamas Information Services (BIS) deputy director and the Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie’s press secretary.
Yesterday Jn. Pierre-Emmanuel paid tribute to her fallen colleague via her Facebook profile. See below:
THE PAIN THAT NEVER HEALS
When you serve in the position of Press Secretary, you automatically belong to a network and family with others who serve in the same position in the islands. I have formed great friendships and I have gotten sound and priceless advice from my colleagues.
I am the baby of them all and they usually worry about me. They worry about the pressure, about my safety and about my sanity. We share our experiences. We update each other on what is happening in our respective islands. We copy each other’s styles and programmes. We are one.
Earlier today, I was informed that the Press Secretary to the Prime Minister of the Bahamas was shot and passed away as a result. Mackey was reportedly shot in his government vehicle multiple times last night. I have been reflecting and I cannot really express what I feel.
I know many of my colleagues are in shock and are in a state of deep reflection. I can hear and sense the pain and worry. There is not much I can say and I too am wondering about the circumstances and recent experiences. This loss is sudden and deep and the wound is beyond the shores of the Bahamian islands.
I wish to express my deepest condolences to Mackey’s family, the Government and people of the Bahamas and our network of dedicated Press Secretaries.
Rest In Peace Latore Mackey.
On Friday, August 22, 2014 you wrote, ” When the enemy is at ease, be able to weary him; when well fed, to starve him; when at rest, to make him move. Appear at places to which he must hasten; move swiftly where he does not expect you.
Be Swift as the wind. Quiet as the forest. Conquer like the fire and Steady as the mountain.”
Today, there is no more I can say…your faith will carry you to your mother’s arms.