Fear grips gang battlegrounds
published: Friday | April 30, 2004
By Glenroy Sinclair, Staff Reporter
THE GANG war embroiling the south St. Andrew communities of Jones Town and Arnett Gardnes, which has prevented schools there from opening for the second day, prompted Education Minister Maxine Henry-Wilson to call an emergency meeting yesterday.
When contacted, Dorett Campbell, director of communication in the Ministry, was unable to give any information about what had transpired at the meeting.
Despite being calm yesterday, sections of the community were still gripped with tension. Heavily armed members of the security forces were seen conducting raids in the community, while residents in another section barricaded themselves in, fearing reprisal attacks.
POLICE COMBING AREA
Superintendent of Police Gary Griffiths, head of the Kingston West Police Division, was seen leading from the front in the community. The officer said the police were combing the area in search of "the trouble makers".
"Today we picked up one person who has been implicated in a murder," Supt. Griffiths said.
Several other men were taken into custody and a number of motorcycles seized during the operation. The commanding officer said everything was being done to ensure that residents were comfortable in their homes.
POINT OUT THE PERPETRATORS
Reports are that on Wednesday, a number of neighbouring housing schemes were invaded by gunmen who beat and chased dozens of persons out of their homes, accusing them of being informers and spies for rival gangs.
Senior Superintendent Calvin Benjamin said if the reports are true and the victims can identify the perpetrators, they will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
At the root of the conflict between the factions is well known area leader George Phang, alias 'Pepper'. Members of the wider community have accused him of unfair dealings. Speaking with The Gleaner yesterday, Mr. Phang described the allegations against him by the various quarters as "petty jealousy".
"Me is a man all for peace," said Mr. Phang. He said that criminal elements in the wider community were "doing everything to disrupt the peace." According to Mr. Phang, several dates have been scheduled for meetings to be held with the warring factions.
Meantime, Paul Burke, former chairman of the People's National Party's Region Three, confirmed that factions in Jones Town attended a meeting Wednesday evening and that Mr. Phang pleaded with the residents of the community not to retaliate. "The matter is being dealt with by the Member of Parliament and chairman of Region Three, Dr. Omar Davies," Mr. Burke said.
Reply With Quote
, or why the hell would you farm as a hobby? Hmm, know what sounds like fun, waking up at 4 in the morning and going out and pinching some cow nipples, or maybe today, I'll throw some bales of hay around.
