Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer
Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and workmen from the National Solid Waste Management Authority clear roadblocks that were mounted inside the Arnett Gardens community where gang warfare has claimed more than 50 lives in the past three months. Residents said the barricades are mounted to keep out gunmen from adjoining streets. - PHOTOS BY RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
FOR AUDREY Stevens, the sight of police in the Craig Town section of south St. Andrew yesterday was a welcome one. As members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force removed debris from the streets, Ms. Stevens wept openly,
pouring out the anguish she has experienced in the last 18 months.
"Wi suffer man, a nuff wi go through yuh nuh know," she screamed. "Dem tek three TV outta mi house, mi dawta dem DVD, mi gas cylinder an' mi microwave ... mi cyaan tek it nuh more."
Other residents in south St. Andrew were relieved to see the police. They also cleared blocked lanes and roads in Top Jungle and Jones Town, other communities that have seen a lot of bloodshed due to recent gang violence.
CLEARING ROADS
"What we are doing is clearing the roads and we are trying to get the authorities to restore the (street) lights because what the criminals do is shoot them out to carry out their atrocities," Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Owen Ellis told The Gleaner.
The police have not escaped the violence that has scarred the constituency in the last three months, resulting in the murders of nearly 50 persons. On Tuesday, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields told The Gleaner that a police party led by Superintendent Delroy Hewitt was attacked by gunmen as they patrolled Rodney and Benbow streets.
In Craig Town, which his name said the community has come under fire from gunmen from as far away as Maxfield Avenue. Ms. Stevens, 60, has been traumatised by the hostilities.
She said two of her nine children were murdered by gunmen within two months last year. Because of the latest outburst, she was forced to flee the home she has lived in for over 40 years.
Mr. Ellis said the police will stay in the constituency until the roads are cleared and street lights are working again.
