RESIDENTS OF Jones Town in South St. Andrew said yesterday that the tension resulting from a power struggle over leadership of the community had been somewhat eased since the police intensified their presence in the area.It has been reported that a bloody battle could start in Jones Town as men said to be part of a group called 'Fire Squad' have been sending strong signals that area leader George Phang and his brother, Andrew Phang, should leave the area.
As a result of the impasse, Anthony 'Chuncie' Ffolkes, who was said to be a close friend of the Phangs and Andrew 'Cessface' Laing were killed in separate incidents on April 9.
The police report that Ffolkes was shot while Laing was stabbed several times.
"Things normal now but people still sad over the shooting(s)," said Devon Frankly, 37.
PATROL
When a Sunday Gleaner team visited the community yesterday, police personnel armed with high-powered weapons were on patrol in the community. In the meantime, Dr. Omar Davies, the Member of Parliament for South St. Andrew which comprises the community of Jones Town has met with residents as part of efforts to promote peace within the community.
Persons who attended the meeting at the Tony Spaldings Sports complex on Friday, said Dr. Davies urged residents not to attempt to deal with any security matter relating to the shootings but instead to allow the police to investigate those who were linked to the killings. Contacted yesterday, Superintendent Gary Griffiths, the commanding officer for the Kingston Western Division said the police would be maintaining a curfew imposed since Friday in sections of Jones Town and neighbouring communities until calm is restored.
"Even though there is no violence, the situation has not changed totally, there is still some amount of tension in the area and the movement of people is still somewhat restricted," he said.
Meanwhile, residents have re-mounted iron posts on Septimus Street in Jones Town, barring vehicles. This, to guard against any incidence of drive-by shootings.
-Damion Mitchell
