Corporal Clive 'Karate Georgie' Lawrence demonstrates one of his powerful karate kicks. - File WESTERN BUREAU:
ALTHOUGH MAJOR crimes have been trending downwards in Western Jamaica, the Area One police's hierarchy have decided to respond to the call of the general public and the business community to re-assign renown crime-fighter Corporal Clive 'Karate Georgie' Lawrence to Montego Bay.
"He is back by popular demand and everybody seems quite happy about it," said Area One crime boss, Superintendent Denver Frater. "His history in crime-fighting in St. James is well known and is highly appreciated. He knows the communities well and the people have a lot of confidence in him."
Corporal Lawrence's return to Montego Bay seems to be evoking many memories, especially among older residents, who are once again talking about his many exploits during the 1990s when he served in Montego Bay. He is credited for the demise of at least two top-flight gunmen as well as for single-handedly ending the decade-long gang war that was raging in the city between 1986-1996.
"When 'Karate Georgie' is in town, old people can go about their business without fear of being harassed by pick-pockets and common boys," said senior citizen George 'Blacka' O'Connor, who had written to the police high command on numerous occasions, asking that Corporal Lawrence be returned to Montego Bay. "As to the gunmen, they don't stand a chance when Mr. Karate Georgie is in town."
Corporal Lawrence's return to the tourist capital has seemingly come at an opportune time as indications are that the infamous 'Toyota Gang', which had gone underground after five of its top lieutenants died in shoot-outs with the police just over two months ago, have re-organised and are again wreaking havoc across the parish.
"We have intelligence suggesting that the remnants of the gang (Toyota) have re-organised and are now back to their old tricks of robbing and shooting," said Superintendent Frater. "Although it will be a team effort in our bid to bring them to justice, I am sure that because of his nature, Corporal Lawrence will figure prominently in whatever strategies we employ to apprehend these men."
During his previous stint in Montego Bay, Corporal Lawrence was the recipient of numerous accolades. After getting the feuding gangs across the city to lay down their weapons and sign a peace treaty, he was named the Western Mirror's 'Man of the Year' for 1996. He was also nominated for The Gleaner's Honour Award twice.
Lawrence, who is sometimes known to wear women's clothing, inclusive of wigs, dresses and high heel shoes, when he goes undercover, took on folk hero status in the mid-1990s when he came up trumps in gun battles against Miguel Jarrett, the leader of the notorious 'Flower Hill Gang' and 'Ika Dread' Panton, who was wanted for eight murders committed in Flankers.
