Rasbert Turner, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Janice Knight and her 11-month-old son Broderick, who was allegedly shot and killed by the police on Thursday. - Contributed

Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles disclosed yesterday that Government would underwrite the funeral expenses of 11-month-old Broderick 'Farel' Wright, who was allegedly shot by the police at home on Thursday.

During a visit to the infant's home Charles, accompanied by Information Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, told mother Janice Knight that his visit was as a result of Prime Minister Bruce Golding's intervention. Charles commended residents for discontinuing their violent protests and, instead await the completion of a police investigation.

"We want residents to feel that we care and, as such, we will be doing our social part in putting whatever financial assistance we can give at this time," Charles later told The Sunday Gleaner.

Grange, while echoing the views of her colleague, said the incident would put a damper on the good relationship that had been fostered between the police and the residents of March Pen Road. She hoped nothing of this nature would recur.

"I can only express my sympathy on behalf of the Government," she told residents.

Meanwhile, Knight said that she is still to come to grips with the death of her only child, relating: "I was outside and when I went back inside, I realise that Farel was shot."

On Thursday, a shooting incident involving the police and a taxi driver took place in the March Pen area of Spanish Town, and the 11-month-old was killed as a result of the shooting.

Residents staged a violent protest following the incident, which is still being probed by the Bureau of Special Investigation.