"The brutal attack on the President of the Senate, the Honourable Hazlyn Francis, is a tragedy of unspeakable proportions.

The country has received the news of Senator Francis' trauma with shock and disgust.

My heart goes out to my friend and parliamentary colleague over the terror that intruded into her home and into her life this morning.

The atrocity inflicted upon Senator Francis shames and defiles our entire nation.

I am confident that our law enforcement officers will move swiftly and will work around the clock in bringing the perpetrator to justice, and to administer the most severe punishment that the law prescribes.

I call upon everyone who might be of assistance to the police in identifying and apprehending the depraved individual who committed this demonic crime to come forward promptly.

I appeal to all in our nation to join in prayer for Senator Francis' speedy and complete recovery from the physical and mental trauma she has experienced."