Church leaders in St. Thomas have opened the doors to their respective churches to facilitate prayers for a peaceful local government election in the parish, against the background of a rise in crime.

The day of prayer was organised by the St. Thomas Homecoming 2007 committee, which comprises St. Thomas Heritage and the Tourism Development Committee and Upliftment Jamaica Limited.

Several incidents

One man was killed, while two others were injured, when gunmen opened fire on Jamaica Labour Party Member of Parliament for West St. Thomas, James Robertson, in Seaforth in the parish on Monday night.

Project manager of St. Thomas Homecoming 2007, Devon Blake, told The Gleaner that they were seeking support for today's all-day prayer event which is focused on 'Peace, Unity and Peaceful Elections'.

"We are asking that when people vote, they go to the nearest church and give a word of prayer," said Mr. Blake.