Curfews imposed in Old Harbour, Central Village and Portmore to quell violence

By Lorraine Walker   

 

The St. Catherine South Police are seeking to prevent an escalation of violence in the division, following recent homicides in Central Village and Old Harbour.

 

In the most recent incident, 41-year-old Michael Spencer, a pastor and businessman who reportedly had a criminal past, was killed in the Old Harbour town centre on Saturday. On January 8, three male relatives were killed in Central Village.

 

The police have responded by imposing curfews in Old Harbour, Central Village and Portmore.

 

Commanding Officer for St. Catherine South, Superintendent Leighton Gray, who led a team of officers on a tour of Old Harbour on Monday afternoon, said no motive has been established for the killing of the pastor but the police are following several leads. 

 

"We know that the deceased he had some past in terms of being engaged with activities within the Spanish Town space. He now moved to Old Harbour and he decided that he was operating a business within the space along with his wife. So I think that is the situation at this time based on what we are hearing," Superintendent Gray said of the deceased. 

 

The wife of the murdered pastor, Martha Spencer, said he had turned his life around and was well-loved in his community.

 

Mrs. Spencer, who had been married for five years, had a message for those who took her husband's life. 

 

"If my husband used to out deh and come to Christ and God change him, you di killer, God love you with everlasting love. But him nuh love di sin," she said, adding: "Mi a pray fi yuh and mi a pray fi yuh family.... Mi a beg God that yuh change, that one day you can say 'God is good' just like my husband." 

 

 

Meanwhile, Deputy Superintendent in charge of operations for St. Catherine South, Troyville Haughton, said residents can expect heightened police activity in Old Harbour.

 

He also listed several persons of interest in the community. 

 

They include Desmond Kelly, otherwise called 'Chucku'; Lamar Myers, also known as 'Duppy Maker'; Towayne Marshall, known as 'Stinger'; George Murray, otherwise called Dunce; Romaine 'Rum Stain' Thompson; Kevin Bent, also called Kevin Square; Cornell Miller, known as 'Nyam-Nyam'; and Michael 'Pangay' Chambers. 

 

Those listed are being asked to surrender to the police before the end of this week.