By Glenroy Sinclair and Rasbert Turner, Staff ReportersMEMBERS OF the notorious 'One Order Gang' have allegedly threatened to shut down the commercial district of Spanish Town, St. Catherine, next Monday, when the gang's leader Oliver 'Bubba' Smith will be buried.
Reports are that men have been visiting business places in the Old Capital, indicating to the proprietors that if they do not comply, their businesses will be targeted.
But while the police are probing the reports Acting Commissioner Lucius Thomas told The Gleaner that members of the security forces will be strategically deployed across the town.
"Members of the public can expect to see an increase in police and military presence in Spanish Town," he said.
Reports are that the Police High Command met Tuesday with senior officers of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) regarding the implementation of a number of measures to ensure public safety.
"We have put in place what is needed to ensure general safety and also assure the business community that they can remain open," the Acting Commissioner said.
NOT HEARD OF THREATS
Contacted yesterday, Spanish Town's Mayor, Dr. Raymoth Notice, said he personally had not heard of the threats although he had received at least two phone calls from concerned members of the business community.
The Gleaner understands that the 'One Order Gang' wants the business community to draw down their shutters on the day of the funeral, as a mark of respect for their slain leader, who was shot and killed on July 13, on Festival Avenue, off Whitehall Avenue in St. Andrew.
It is alleged that since his death one prominent member of the Spanish Town community has been shot and killed as a reprisal for Smith's death. Further reports are that the names of other prominent persons are on a list to be executed to avenge the death of the notorious gang leader.
