Trudy Simpson, Staff Reporter
This man shows his support for the police at the private sector-led peace rally in Emancipation Park, Kingston on Wednesday. - IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
COLLEAGUES OF slain policeman, District Constable Canute Brown have mixed reactions to the private sector's anti-crime protest, which asked businesses islandwide to shut their doors at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
Speaking with The Gleaner yesterday, many of those interviewed felt that the lockdown was a "good gesture" but that it would not have an impact on crime. They said more "drastic" measures are needed.
"I am feeling very cut up about the way he (DC Brown) died. (But) this is not strong enough. There is need to go heavier," said District Constable Dennis Hibbert, who had known DC Brown for 30 years. The two worked at the Cross Roads Police Station in St. Andrew.
DC Brown was shot and killed by gunmen who drove up and fired on the Cross Roads Police Station on May 4.
He was the second of three policemen who were killed in what have been described as coordinated attacks between May 3 and May 4.
ACTION FROM CHURCH
"There is need to cut out the foolish politics, and those who are found guilty of murder must be hanged," DC Hibbert said. He also wanted restriction of movement in certain areas, more deployment of soldiers and stronger action from the Church.
For DC Carlton Dixon, who had known DC Brown for 15 years, the initiative was seen as a "good gesture to show criminals Jamaica's disgust about what has been taking place."
However, he said that the hang man's noose and reviving lashing would send a clearer message to criminals.
"The private sector should be in more dialogue with the Government for stronger measures ... stiffer penalties for criminals (especially repeat offenders)," added Sergeant Wilbert Johnson.
The lockdown is the first of a three-day initiative spearheaded by the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), in response to high crime rate. More than 630 murders have been reported so far this year. Nine members of the police force have been killed since January, including five this month.
DC Brown, who was one of the longest serving employees at the Cross Roads Police Station, is to be buried Sunday.
His funeral is to be held at the May Pen Seventh-day Adventist Church, 82 Fernleigh Avenue at 1:00 pm. Interment is at the Denbigh cemetery.
