Nelson, in reacting to the murder of Sergeant Rudolph Morris, who was attached to the Hunts Bay Police Station, said the agents of criminality were bent on assaulting the sovereignty of the country.

This, he argued, was evident in the fact that law-enforcement officers, who are guardians of law and order, had been coming under relentless attack.

According to the Constabulary Communication Network, Morris was shot dead by gunmen at his business establishment at Eastwood Park Road, Kingston 10, Sunday night, about 8:45. The men entered the building, ordered cigarettes and left. They then returned, pulled handguns and opened fire, hitting Morris several times. He died on the spot.

Nelson urged all members of the security forces to constantly maintain their guard, on and off the job, to reduce the threat to their lives.

The minister also called on members of the public who might have information on Morris' murder to come forward.

Peter Bunting, opposition spokesman on national security, said he strongly condemned Morris' murder.