The police have not settled on a motive but have said Ricketts was involved in a "conflict" with relatives over land.
Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr has expressed sorrow at the "appalling" chopping-murder of 82-year-old Eustas Ricketts at his home in the Top Halse Hall community in Clarendon on Sunday.
The police have not settled on a motive but have said Ricketts was involved in a "conflict" with relatives over land.
Minister Charles said no Jamaican citizen, especially those who are among the most vulnerable in the society, should fall victim to violence and brutality.
"These reprehensible and heinous acts run counter to the very essence of our society, where our elderly citizens should be cherished, protected, and their wisdom and experiences celebrated, not stolen away by heartless criminals," he said in a statement issued Monday night.
Charles has urged members of the public to tell the police what they know of crimes against senior citizens. "We also implore our fellow Jamaicans to unify our in solidarity, fostering a safer and more compassionate environment, particularly for our vulnerable citizens, especially our senior citizens."
It is reported that sometime after midnight, Ricketts, a farmer, returned to his home on First Street and retired to bed, but was heard wailing for help and shouting, "thief!" around 3.a.m.
Relatives with whom he lived went to his assistance, and realised culprits had reportedly gained entry to Ricketts' room and inflicted several chop wounds to his body.
They reportedly did not see any attackers.
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