Jamaicans across the island turned out yesterday to voice their disgust for the rape of five women on Monday night by marching or joining groups wearing black clothing in several communities.

Several persons turned out in the Corporate Area and St James, while throughout the island other persons chose to show their support by simply wearing their black clothing.

For those who took to the streets in the Corporate Area, beginning their march in Half-Way Tree, St Andrew, members of the crowd, most of whom were dressed in black, braved the heat of the morning sun as they made their way to Cross Roads holding placards that stated their feelings.

Government ministers, opposition spokespersons, women's groups, church members and civil society joined members of the public for the march.

Many spoke about the pregnant women killed earlier this year; the five females, including an eight-year-old, raped in St James; the 11-year-old allegedly impregnated by the 63-year-old common-law husband of her grandaunt in St Ann; the two boys in Trelawny who died under questionable circumstances, among other atrocities committed against women and children.

There was also support in downtown Kingston for these victims.

In St James, there was a large gathering at Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay, yesterday morning. The crowd was addressed by National Security Minister Peter Bunting, along with several other political officials and police officers.

In his address, Bunting stated that those responsible for the rape of the five women in St James will be brought to justice. He also cautioned the residents to stay away from jungle justice.