- Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer
A boy watches as a policeman searches a man on Wellington Street, Tawes Pen, Spanish Town, yesterday.
Lisa A. McKay, Gleaner Writer
THE NORMALLY bustling, lively and industrious Old Capital of Jamaica, Spanish Town, was nothing short of a ghost town yesterday as shops, restaurants, banks, gas stations and even the usually busy markets closed their doors. This followed the outbreak of violence associated with the death of Oliver 'Bubba' Smith, the head of 'One Order', an extortion outfit.
During The Gleaner's visit yesterday to Tawes Pen in Spanish Town, a stronghold of Smith, the blanket-thick tension was overbearing. Scores of police officers could be seen decked out in their blue denim, bullet-proof vests and armed with high powered rifles, ready and waiting for whatever was to come next.
SUSPICIOUS EYES
However, they were not the only ones who were anticipating the next move. Even though the community beyond the barrier seemed deserted, you could almost feel the watchful, suspicious eyes of the residents piercing into the very souls of the 'intruders'.
The roadblock at the train crossing served as a barrier between citizens and lawmen and no one dared to trespass into each other's territory, except a few mothers who hurriedly escorted their children from school back into the community.
VERBAL CONFRONTATIONS
A few dwellers who dared to cross, claiming they had business to attend to, were immediately searched by officers, and this resulted in verbal confrontations, especially from the women who were being searched.
After what seemed like an eternity, the police removed the roadblock and entered the forbidden area. It was at this time that the abandoned community sprang to life. Shouts, chants and raucous laughter could be heard, as children, women and men emerged from their hiding places hurling expletives and abusive language at the lawmen.
Buildings were searched and cordoned by security officials. Through all this, the residents continued to shout and sing, all hailing their deceased don and area leader Bubba.
