By Francine Black, Staff ReporterTRAFFIC ALONG the busy Old Harbour Road in St. Catherine was brought to a standstill after it was blocked by residents of the Homestead community yesterday.
They were protesting against what they said was a barrage of gunshots fired upon their community Monday night.
When the smoke cleared 23-year-old Ricardo Patient was found lying dead in one of the many buildings in the community, his body riddled with gunshots.
Following the shooting, police were swiftly deployed to the area and Member of Parliament Olivia 'Babsy' Grange asked them to meet with the citizens at the community centre. Superintendent Clifford Blake, his two senior officers and an inspector, were on their way to the meeting when they came upon the roadblock.
THROW STONES
The group disembarked from their vehicles and proceeded to reason with the residents about removing the blockage when a stone was used to hit Superintendent Blake on the head, knocking him unconscious. While Councillor Owen Palmer and some other police officers attempted to move the injured Superintendent, the mob on the scene continued to throw stones at the police officers. Other policemen on the other side of the blockage had to intervene to calm the angry crowd.
Superintendent Blake was taken to the hospital and treated for his injuries and is to undergo further treatment.
The feud between the Homestead, Ellersie Pen and Tawes Pen communities has been going on for months now, but, since the last three weeks, has hit an all time high as many residents are upset and fearful for their lives.
Ms. Grange expressed her regret at what has happened and has admitted that the violence is an internal one. "The people need so much. They need a new lease on life, we need to occupy the people," she said.
Fifteen persons have been taken into police custody for questioning and a strong combined group from the Spanish Town police, Mobile Reserve and Flying Squad was deployed in the area as the police tried to restore order.
