Community activist Gina Spence has commended the outpouring of love and support shown to Friday’s shooting victim and his family.

Ms Spence, who has worked with many families who have lost loved ones to violent crime, said the community’s response to the incident would help the family on their long road to recovery.

“I was very encouraged by what I saw on Friday night,” Ms Spence, who is close friends with the family, told The Royal Gazette.

“In the past, I have never really seen that level of support. It strengthens the resolve that one goes through when you are looking death in the face.”

The 17-year-old was injured in the incident in the North Shore Road-Glebe Road area of Devonshire at around 11.15pm.

According to a police spokesman, he remained in a stable condition on the hospital’s intensive care unit at last check on Sunday.

Ms Spence said a lot of people showed up at the hospital to show their love and support.

“It doesn’t always happen that way. So much was given that night to that family that could never be given a dollar value.

“I believe that the support that this family has will help,” she said, adding that more of the same outreach, love and support is needed. She said the church also played a “vital role”, with what seemed like the whole congregation there praying.

“I believe more churches can play that role,” she said, adding that what happened demonstrated true community support as well as the power of prayer.

“I really do believe that her faith is what carried her [the victim’s mother] through this. God saw fit to sustain him and give him another chance.”

And while the family are at the start of a “long road to recovery”, she believes “they are going to be just fine”.

“Physical healing will come in time,” she said, adding that it is the emotional impact where they will need more support.

Meanwhile, Senator Jeff Baron, the Minister of National Security, condemned the shooting.

“I have privately met and spoken with the victim’s parents and conveyed my sincere distress regarding this incident. It is my hope that as a family they can find peace and healing.”

“My broader message — which is a conversation that we all must continue to have as a community — is that it is up to all of us to make sure we are part of the solution. And I urge anyone who may have knowledge of this incident to please assist the Police as they conduct their investigation into this matter.”

The investigation continues and any witnesses who saw suspicious activity in the area at the time of the shooting are urged to contact the Serious Crime Unit on 247-1739 or the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline 800-8477.