By Glenroy Sinclair, Staff ReporterDESPITE THE presence of heavily armed members of the security forces in trouble spots across the Corporate Area, many areas remained tense yesterday as gunmen continued attacks in inner-city communities.
Police reported that two members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) were shot and injured by gunmen in the Hannah Town section of West Kingston yesterday morning.
It was also reported that following an exchange of gunfire between political factions in August Town, St. Andrew, yesterday morning, one man was stabbed and killed, and residents mounted mass roadblocks in the area to protest against the murder.
Another extensive roadblock was mounted along Spanish Town Road in the vicinity of Payne Avenue. Reports are that the residents started protesting after the police had taken into custody a member of the community.
The JDF reported yesterday that the two soldiers who were shot were on foot patrol in the Upper Rose Lane area in the vicinity of Drummond and Hannah streets, when they came across a group of gunmen who shot at them and ran. The soldiers returned the fire, but the gunmen escaped unhurt.
According to the JDF, the soldiers were treated at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) and released. When the smoke cleared, the police found a number of AK-47 and M-16 spent shells.
Following another clash between supporters of the People's National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in the August Town area of St. Andrew, one man was stabbed and killed.
Police identified him as Donovan Gordon of Goldsmith Villa. Reports are that his body was found in bushes. Prior to the discovery of the body rival gunmen were involved in a heavy exchange of gunfire.
On the arrival of the police, several roads leading into the community were blocked. Tons of dirt was dumped across the Hermitage main road, making it impassable. About 1:30 p.m. a team led by Senior Superintendent Bingie White went in and removed the debris from most of the streets.
In the Hunts Bay area, residents blocked a section of Spanish Town Road, in the vicinity Payne Avenue, twice yesterday. According to Superintendent Newton Amos, the residents began protesting after the police detained a reputed area leader, demanding that he be released.
The crowd subsequently dispersed after the police addressed them and cleared the roadblocks.
