Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer
MILTON 'TONY' Welsh, who gained notoriety in the 1970s as an area leader in the South St. Andrew constituency, is in police custody in connection with the January 15 murder of Damion Hussey at Golden Spring.
Deputy Superintendent of Police, Ray Boyd, told The Gleaner yesterday that Welsh's attorney turned him in to the Constant Spring police Monday evening for questioning.
Mr. Hussey, 22, was allegedly murdered in his Golden Spring home by supporters of the People's National Party (PNP). Police reports say his killers were returning from the launch of PNP presidential candidate Dr. Peter Phillips' campaign launch at the National Arena.
Buses transporting PNP supporters to rural St. Andrew were reportedly stoned as it passed through Stony Hill. In retaliation, members of the party allegedly attacked residents in nearby Golden Spring, one of the victims being Mr. Hussey, who succumbed to his injuries at the University Hospital of the West Indies.
PNP DENIES LINK
Derrick Smith, the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) Spokesman on National Security, said 58-year-old Welsh was connected to the mob killing and called on Dr. Phillips to turn him in since he was part of his organising team.
Harry Douglas, a member of Dr. Phillips' 'Solid As a Rock' campaign, has denied that Welsh is affiliated to either the Phillips camp or the PNP.
Welsh was a key figure in South St. Andrew Member of Parliament Anthony Spaulding's inner circle during the 1970s. That constituency was a PNP stronghold and fought bitterly with gunmen in nearby Wilton Gardens, also known as Rema.
Welsh was sentenced to 40 years in prison in the United States for drug trafficking in the 1980s, but was deported to Jamaica in 2000 after a plea bargain with federal officials.
Since his return, Welsh has had a number of brushes with the law. In March 2002, he was charged with shooting with intent at the police in Brandon Hill. He was also charged with illegal possession of a firearm.
In February last year, he and George Flash, another area leader from the 1970s, were charged with illegal possession of firearm and assault at common law following an incident at the office of Dr. Sheldon Minott in St. Ann.
Welsh was cleared in both cases.
