Mom to honour slain hero cop

Noel Thompson, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The mother of police Corporal Omar St Clever Duncan, who was shot dead by gunmen in Haughton Grove, Hanover, early Tuesday morning, plans to build two libraries in his honour.

A grieving Beverley Brown yesterday told The Gleaner from her Stony Hill residence in St Andrew that she was considering building one of the libraries in Kingston - the place of his birth - and the other in Westmoreland, where he grew up and later attended the Manning's School.

The 35-year-old cop - the seventh policeman murdered this year - was an only child, and although he had none of his own, he was a father figure to many children in his community.

"The children loved him dearly and he loved them equally," a resident, requesting anonymity, stated.

He was assigned to the Ramble Police Station in Hanover in the Area One Police Division - the only parish in which he had worked during his 15-year stint in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

Called to intervene

Duncan had completed duties earlier Monday night and went home - a short distance from the station - when residents called his cellular phone, informing him that a masked man was seen breaking into a business place.

The corporal contacted the station but the service vehicle was out on another assignment. He was assisted to the crime scene when he was ambushed and shot dead. His service pistol was not taken.

Family members, colleagues and residents described him as a brave cop and a protector of his community.

"He knew nothing named fear. He was a very brave person and, even if he knew he could be killed, he would still execute his duty no matter what the consequences," said Sergeant Yvonne White-Powell, Duncan's cousin.

"He was a career policeman and dedicated all his life around the force."

Barbara Salmon, his aunt who reared him, was too distraught to speak with The Gleaner.

Remarked his mother: "Due to the risky nature of his job, I always told myself that if he should die I would name a library in his honour. He was passionate about reading and was a computer genius. I often spoke with him about his bravery, but he often said somebody has to do the job."

She said she was never happy with him joining the JCF.

Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner Denver Frater, who heads Area One, said he would make all resources available to aid detectives with their investigation and bring Duncan's killer or killers to justice.

"I urge all residents to assist the police with their investigations and I also urge the police to remain vigilant and resolute in the fight against crime," Frater added.

The mood was sombre at the Ramble station yesterday. Just before midday, police chaplain, the Reverend Courtney Walters, as well as Rev Lloyd Fraser and Pastor Fredrick Phillips, prayed with the cops.

Chairman of the Police Federation, Sergeant Raymond Wilson, said his organisation would continue to give its support to the Duncan family.