Killings continue in West Kingston - Despite peace efforts by politicians, churches AT LEAST three persons have been slain in the last two days, as the violence which has been affecting areas of West Kingston persists, despite the peace efforts of the political leaders and the churches. The brutal slayings occurred less than a week after representatives of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and People's National Party (PNP) met with church leaders in a bid to bring peace to the area. The Constabulary Communications Network (CCN), has reported three deaths since Thursday night, including one yesterday evening. But, some residents claim that two persons were killed Thursday night and two more yesterday. The residents claim that Thursday night's killing occurred during an invasion of the North Street area by men, allegedly from Hannah Town, on foot and in motor cars firing guns. The police say that the body of Wayne Small, 31, alias "Broadie" of Upper Oxford Street, was found yesterday stuffed into a barrel near the fish market. His hands were bound, his throat was slashed and there was a bullet wound to the head. The police theorised that Small's death was a reprisal for the gun slaying of 19-year-old Ricardo Chambers, who was killed Thursday night at the intersection of Percy Street and Pink Lane. The police said Chambers, better known as "Bally" was shot at about 9:00 p.m. He died at the nearby Kingston Public Hospital (KPH). Another man, identified as Clifford Atkinson of a Whitehall Avenue address in St. Andrew, was shot and killed yesterday evening on Upper Oxford Street, Hannah Town. More than nine persons have been killed in the area over the past month. Some 385 persons have been murdered since the start of the year. The recent flare-up violence has been linked to the death of popular Arnett Gardens "don" William "Willie Haggart" Moore. Moore was among three men killed along Lincoln Crescent, South St. Andrew, last month. He was one of the reputed "dons" of the PNP stronghold of Arnett Gardens. Allegations are that his supporters have blamed his killings on residents of Denham Town and Tivoli Gardens (JLP strongholds). Both factions are fighting over a building located at the intersection of Tulip Lane and Oxford Street. The JLP communities say the building is needed to provide work for young residents. The PNP communities say that the building is a threat to them. Last Monday the Jamaica Labour Party's Derrick Smith and Desmond McKenzie met with the PNP's Paul Burke and members of the church community to iron out the problem. They are scheduled to meet again next week. Since the meeting residents have mounted roadblocks to the entrance of both communities every night, to prevent the drive-by shootings which are continuing despite the peace efforts. A number of schools, principally the St. Anne's primary and high school, are being seriously affected by the violence. The Gleaner understands that the parties are to meet again this coming week to assess the situation. Councillor McKenzie admitted last night that there were problems with the peace initiative:"Every time we take a step forward, we take two steps backward. But, we're determined to continue the process," he said.
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