A police officer tries to console a relative of one of four men who were killed by gunmen at a Caymanas Off Track betting shop in Greendale, Spanish Town, St. Catherine, yesterday. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
FOUR MEN were murdered and three others injured at a betting shop in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, yesterday.
The police suspect the incident stems from an internal feud within the 'One Order' gang.
According to the police, the bloody incident took place in the community of Greendale about 9:00 a.m. This has pushed the number of persons killed in the Old Capital since the start of the year to 42. Earlier, the police reported that at least 17 persons were murdered in Spanish Town in two weeks.
Those killed yesterday have been identified as 44-year-old Errol Welsh; Everton Pottinger, 42; Abraham 'Big George' McNaughton, 30; and Anthony Holness.
The other shooting victims have been hospitalised with multiple gunshot wounds.
FIRING INDISCRIMINATELY
The police reported that two men walked into the Off Track Betting Shop at Ferdie Neita Boulevard in Greendale and began firing indiscriminately, hitting seven patrons.
Welsh, McNaughton and Holness died instantly while Pottinger succumbed to his injuries at hospital.
"The killing of the men suggested that it was pretty organised. The criminal network is doing its best to take over Spanish Town, but while the police are investigating these crimes, we need the support of the citizenry to deal with these criminals," said Assistant Commissioner of Police Denver Frater.
The shooting occurred less than one month after the business community in Spanish Town met members of the Police High Command, who promised to increase the presence of lawmen in the area.
"Since that meeting, we have seen improvement and it is encouraging, but this is a crisis and we need everything that can alleviate the problem," said Dennis Robotham, president of the Spanish Town Chamber of Commerce. "It is Spanish Town today, but it could be anybody's hometown tomorrow."
Following a meeting on Monday with representatives of the Ministry of National Security, Mr. Robotham said the Government plans to implement educational and skills training programmes in Spanish Town to help in the fight against rampant crime. Another meeting between Spanish Town business persons and Government officials is scheduled for tomorrow.
