Edmond Campbell, Senior News Coordinator

A PEACE treaty brokered by the Peace Management Initiative (PMI), between feuding gangs in August Town and following months of violent clashes, is to be signed on June 24. But at least one condition of the proposed pact has left questions about its potential for success.

Horace Levy, board member of the PMI, said the warring factions were willing to ink a peace accord but have insisted that they still be left to bear arms as long as these weapons are not "brandished".

The communities to sign the treaty are African Gardens, Jungle 12, Goldsmith Villa, Bedward Gardens and Judgement Yard.

No intention to turn in guns

Addressing a Gleaner Editors' Forum held yesterday at the newspaper's North Street, central Kingston, offices, Levy said the gangs had no intention of turning in their guns, "because it's a matter of their own protection, their own self-defence, they feel the police are inefficient and ineffective".

Another critical component of the agreement is the prohibition of gun salutes, a practice carried out by so-called 'shottas' at entertainment sessions or funerals.

Levy argued that, if the warring factions would agree to these initial steps for peace, adhere to the conditions for a year and not brandish their guns, this would be a move in the right direction.

Major Richard Cooke, a member of the Joy Town Foundation, contended that armed communities were not ready, at least for now, to disarm.

"I know the guns cannot come off the streets. Take away the guns and they are just going to come back. It's a waste of time, talking about taking away the guns. It's a mentality that we are dealing with," he said.

Cooke, who has done extensive social work in south St Andrew, a community that was plagued with violent crimes last year, said illegal guns would have to be taken from these volatile communities, but it would not happen overnight.

"I have been on the ground and I know that the minute this community loses its guns, the other community that is still armed is going to come and wreak mayhem. I am aware of that, it needs to happen but it has to be a process."

But Kenneth Wilson, president of the August Town Citizens' Association, is looking to the positive side of the proposed truce between the rival gangs.

One person must step forward

"All it takes is one person to step forward publicly saying 'I am giving up my firearm'. That is going to send shock waves right throughout - it can happen," he told The Gleaner yesterday.

He said the peace effort in August Town involved a five-year plan that would be reviewed biannually.

Wilson said the various groups would work together on social and economic projects within the community to strengthen ties and restore trust among the residents.

The signing of the peace treaty will take place at the University of the West Indies Bowl, during an official ceremony.

edmond.campbell@gleanerjm.com