By Robert Lalah, Staff ReporterTHE TAWES Pen community in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, has been the site of a series of candlelight vigils for Oliver 'Bubba' Smith, slain reputed leader of the 'One Order' gang.
When The Gleaner visited the area about 9:00 p.m. on Friday, hundreds of lit candles lined the sidewalks of the community, extending onto several floors of the high-rise complex that is the home of several of Smith's supporters.
A black flag, with the inscription 'One Order Forever', fluttered silently in the glow of the candles.
MOTORIST REPRIMANDED
The nearby Number Five Cemetery has been commandeered by residents of the community and is also being used to commemorate the death of Smith. A single candle was seen on each partition of the fence and also along the sidewalk directly in front of the cemetery.
Several motorists were seen turning their vehicles around after coming upon the nocturnal memorial. So intent upon preserving a sacred atmosphere are the organisers of the vigil, that a motorist who dared to make use of his vehicle's horn in order to avoid an accident, was immediately reprimanded by a bystander who brandished a weapon and pointed out that more respect should be displayed.
CANDLELIGHT EVERY NIGHT
A resident of the area contacted by The Gleaner yesterday said that the candles will be lit every night, at least until Smith is buried. He said they represent the showing of respect to a man who did great things for the community.
Smith was shot and killed by gunmen on Whitehall Avenue, St. Andrew, on July 12. Hours after his death Spanish Town erupted in violence as gunmen aligned to the 'One Order' gang went on a shooting rampage to protest his killing.
