Dwight Nelson and Trevon Beharrie, Gleaner Writers

Gang feuds have been highlighted as the major cause for approximately 36 per cent of the murders and shootings committed in Clarendon.

Dayton Henry, superintendent in charge of Clarendon, told The Gleaner yesterday that since January 1, this year, murders and shootings have been on the increase in Clarendon and have become a major concern to citizens of the parish as well as the Police High Command.

During a press briefing, held at the Homar's Roti in Mineral Heights, Clarendon, yesterday, the police released the names of the parish's 10 major persons of interest.

During the briefing, Henry said "the Clarendon division has been frequent in the news because of the rise and frequency of gun crimes that are being committed in the parish, especially in May Pen and its environs."

He added, "the communities of concern are Canaan Heights, Bucks Common, Webb Lane, Palmers Cross, Effortville and Bucknor."

These communities are considered hot spots and present a challenge to the police and policing as poor road conditions, etc, will likely undermine the safety of police officers operating in the dark."

Additional resources

Henry said the Police High Command has sent additional resources to Clarendon to support the local initiatives within the parish.

The police will be giving a reward of $80,000 to persons who can give information which will lead to the 10 major persons of interest. Persons with information can call the following in confidence:

1) Superintendent Dayton Henry at 902-1084, 459-0551 or 322-5796

2) DSP Fogorthy (crime officer) at 902-1091, 431-1967

3) Detective Inspector Calvert Dailey 990-8863

4) Kingfish at 811

5) Crime Stop at 311

6) 119.