By Damion Mitchell, Staff Reporter
Dunstan Whittingham, businessman, points to one of several signs which were posted on the doors of several businesses in Central Kingston yesterday morning, indicating they had been shut down to protest against shootings in the business district. - Michael Sloley /Freelance Photographer
BUSINESSES ALONG Gold, Hanover and East Queen streets, closed their doors for several hours yesterday morning in protest over a flare-up of gun violence in Central Kingston.
According to residents, the flare-up began about three weeks ago following the shooting of a man in Tel Aviv, Central Kingston. Since then, a rift has reportedly developed between rivals from the communities of Tel Aviv and Southside. According to one resident, men from Tel Aviv have vowed to retaliate if Southside residents venture into their community and vice versa.
There's also controversy over which set of residents should be allowed to hang out at the abandoned "Bartley's Building" which borders the two rival communities.
The latest incidents on Saturday have left two persons dead and four nursing gunshot wounds.
The police report that in the first incident, a man identified as Sean Daley of East Queen Street was walking along Gold Street about 12:10 p.m. when two men armed with hundguns approached him from behind and fired several shots hitting him in the back. He died on the spot. Two other persons, a 17-year-old student and a 36-year-old fisherman who were also shot and injured in the incident were hospitalised.
In another incident, 17-year-old student, Keniel Thompson and two persons were shot as they walked along East Queen Street at about 7:15 p.m. They were taken to hospital where Thompson died while undergoing treatment and the others admitted in a stable condition.
Dunstan Whittingham, businessman, told The Gleaner that the violence had affected businesses, which operate from Gold, Hanover and East Queen streets. Potential shoppers have shunned the area and metal grills, which normally cover the drains have been removed to protect against drive-by shootings.
"It's the worst I have ever seen it (the violence) in the area," said Beverly Smith who has been living in the community for 17 years.
She said because of the increase in the number of shootings, she was now afraid to perform her job as a sweeper along East Queen Street.
Albert Wheeler who operates a restaurant and bar along Gold Street said that businesses may have to close permanently if the shootings continue. He said since the beginning of the incidents most of his patrons have stayed away. He also said that while the police have been giving some support, it was still inadequate.
The residents say they want to see the police patrolling both communities. At the same time some have charged that the information being fed to the police was not being kept confidential.
