Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

A house that was damaged on Glasspole Avenue in Rockfort, Kingston, during an upsurge of violence in the community. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

IN HIS over 40 years living in Rockfort, Wesley Robinson says he had never experienced the level of violence seen in October when gangs terrorised the east Kingston community.

"It is the worst one mi ever si," he told The Gleaner yesterday. "The man dem come in every night an' fire millions a shot. Some time fi the whole night yuh don't even sleep."

Several homes, including the four-bedroom house Mr. Robinson, his wife and three grandchildren lived in at Glasspole Avenue, were firebombed. Persons affected by the rein of terror have received assistance from business places in the area, such as Caribbean Cement Company Ltd., which has donated cement and money to help rebuild.

But yesterday, Mr. Robinson told The Gleaner that it will be some time before he and his family are able to pick up the pieces.

"Mi lose everything completely," said the 63-year-old carpenter. "The one contribution mi get ($10,000 from Caribbean Cement) can only stop a gap."

MP tour

The companies in and around Rockfort got involved following a tour of the damaged area two weeks ago by Phillip Paulwell, Member of Parliament for East Kingston and Port Royal. During the tour, Mr. Paulwell appealed for assistance for those who had lost their belongings in the violence.

The latest round of gang violence in Rockfort reared its head in late October. When the police arrested three influential area leaders (George Flash, Anthony Brown and Danhai Williams), residents added to the hostilities by blocking roads.

The trio, and another man known only as 'Mendez', were eventually freed after four days in custody.

Things came to a head in early November when the homes at Glasspole Avenue were bombed. Police theorised that the attacks were carried out by criminals from nearby Wareika Hills.

Yesterday, Superintendent Assan Thompson, head of the Kingston Eastern Police Division, told The Gleaner that things are "relatively quiet" in Rockfort.

Patrols and raids

"We continue to have patrols and raids and certain areas are cordoned off," said Supt. Thompson. "We are still looking for our main suspect, Richard 'Wormie' Miller."

Supt. Thompson said Miller, 34, had a shooting case before the courts. He told The Gleaner that the trouble spots in Rockfort are Barnes Road, Commission Road, Glasspole Avenue, Oliver Road, Lucas Road and Wareika Road.

According to the crime fighter, six persons were killed in the recent violence, while seven were arrested. Five of those arrested have appeared in court to answer to murder and shooting charges.

Rockfort is one of several areas in east Kingston that have experienced gang violence during the past five years. In September 2005, the nearby community of Jacques Road came under intense pressure from gunmen with three women and an infant being murdered.

Many residents fled that community, which is just a stone's throw from the Mountain View Police Station. Mr. Robinson, who is originally from Appleton district in St. Elizabeth, is currently living in Harbour View with his daughter.

He said he has no plans to leave Rockfort, not even if there is another outbreak of violence.

"Is one of the worst times inna my life, to see I living in this area so long," he said, "but with the help of Father God, wi hoping for the best."