Prime Minister Andrew Holness is offering a $3 million reward for information on those involved in Lorna Robertson’s abduction

KINGSTON, JAMAICA — June 15, 2025

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced a J$3 million reward for information on those who are involved in the adduction of Lorna “Nikki” Robertson, a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) scrutineer who was abducted on May 30. The offer, made public on Sunday, underscores the growing urgency surrounding the case and the government’s commitment to justice and public safety.

This was a deeply troubling act, the Prime Minister said. He went on to say that they will not rest until justice is served and they the government are paying close attention, and it will not let this go unanswered.

Robertson abduction had made International news. She was taken in broad daylight along Hope Road in Kingston, near the premises of the Diabetes Association of Jamaica. According to police reports, she was approached by unknown assailants driving a white van bearing false license plates. She has not been seen or heard from since.

“This is not just about one woman — it’s about protecting our democracy, our political workers, and ensuring that fear does not rule our elections,” Prime Minister Holness stated. “We will not rest until Nikki is safely returned to her family, and we are calling on anyone with information to come forward.”

The Prime Minister’s announcement comes amid mounting pressure from the public, civil society, and both major political parties. While Robertson was affiliated with the JLP, calls for her safe return have come from across the political aisle. People’s National Party (PNP) Member of Parliament Julian Robinson, who represents the constituency where the abduction occurred, publicly condemned the act and rejected any claims of political motivation.

“I don’t believe this was politically driven, but regardless of the motive, we all must stand united in seeking Nikki’s safe return,” Robinson said earlier this week.

The $3 million reward follows an earlier reward offer of J$500,000 made by members of the community and Robertson’s supporters. Police say the investigation remains active and are urging anyone who saw suspicious activity in the Liguanea or Hope Road area on May 30 to come forward.

A Stark Warning

Political commentators have warned that the abduction, whether politically motivated or not, sends a chilling message to those involved in Jamaica’s electoral process — particularly the dedicated scrutineers, observers, and volunteers who often work in politically charged environments.

“This case isn’t just about a missing person,” said Dr. Leanne Ellis, political analyst and lecturer at UWI. “It challenges the integrity and safety of the political process in Jamaica. How can we ask citizens to engage in democracy when there’s fear of retaliation or violence?”

What You Can Do

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has released a hotline for tips related to the case. All information provided will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Anyone with information is urged to call:

• 119 (Emergency)
• Crime Stop at 311
• Or visit the nearest police station.

The government has also pledged additional support for political workers, promising new safety guidelines and potential legal reforms to enhance protection for persons involved in elections.

As the search for Nikki Robertson continues, the nation waits — hopeful, vigilant, and united in its demand for justice.

EARLIER REPORT
Police Intensify Search for Missing Woman Abducted in St Andrew.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force and private investigators ramping up efforts to locate Lorna Robertson, also known as ‘Nicky’, who was abducted last week Saturday by unknown assailants.

Robertson who is a Jamaica Labour Party election scrutineer, was forcibly taken by an unidentified individual around 5:36 a.m. on Old Hope Road, near Downer Avenue, in the St Andrew area. The incident occurred in the vicinity of the Diabetes Association of Jamaica, where she was reportedly forced into a motor vehicle.

She is a prominent figure in St Andrew South Eastern and serves as an election scrutineer for the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). Recently, news surfaced that she was ambushed by individuals traveling in a Honda Stepwagon equipped with a counterfeit license plate.

Her abduction comes in the wake of the recent murder of David Clarke, also known as ‘Roger’, in Swallowfield, also located in St Andrew. Authorities have not confirmed a connection between the two incidents but are exploring all possible leads. The police are urging anyone with information that may assist in locating Robertson or identifying the perpetrators to come forward immediately.

Clarke was also a worker and activist for the JLP. Robertson was abducted a day before Clarke’s funeral.

Tensions continue to escalate in the Swallowfield area of South East St. Andrew following the recent murder of David Clarke, also known as ‘Roger,’ and the abduction of Lorna Robertson, otherwise called ‘Nicky.’ Clarke, a known worker and activist for the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), was fatally attacked in Swallowfield. Robertson, who also served the JLP as a scrutineer, was abducted a day before Clarke’s funeral. She was last seen on Old Hope Road in St. Andrew, wearing a cream blouse and tangerine-coloured shorts.

Law enforcement sources suggest both incidents may be linked. Preliminary investigations indicate that the two may have been targeted by individuals connected to a gang based in Swallowfield. The gang is reportedly focusing on certain residents in the community.

The motive behind these attacks remains unclear. However, the incidents have sparked deep concern among locals and have intensified fears in Swallowfield and adjoining areas

Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of Lorna Robertson, otherwise known as Nicky, is being asked to contact the Police at 119 or C-TOC at 876-922-2374.

The upcoming general election in Jamaica is a pivotal moment for both major political parties. The Andrew Holness-led Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is seeking a third consecutive term in office, while the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP), under the leadership of Mark Golding, has intensified its campaign in a bid to return to power.

In this charged political climate, concerns about potential violence are resurfacing, especially given Jamaica’s history—most notably the 1980 general election, which was marred by intense political violence and claimed hundreds of lives. While there is cautious optimism for a more peaceful electoral process this time, deep political divisions in some communities continue to raise alarms about the risk of unrest and especially since the recent abduction and murder of JLP workers.