St. Mary Police ban entertainment events in Enfield amid gang violence

 

The St. Mary Police say no permits will be granted for entertainment events during the Yuletide season in Enfield, Annotto Bay as efforts continue to stabilise the area in response to ongoing gang conflict.

 

The incidents have resulted in robberies, shootings and murders.

 

Enfield has been under curfew for several weeks, which was further extended to 6 p.m. Wednesday.

 

The police say the community has accounted for nine of 26 murders recorded in St. Mary this year.

 

At a stakeholders' meeting in Annotto Bay last week, Vice President of the Enfield Development Committee, Reverend Samuel Roberts, hinted at bias in the granting of event permits for some areas in Annotto Bay.

 

But Acting Superintendent Anthony Wallace, Commanding Officer for St. Mary, denied any bias in the approvals for events and expressed confidence that police and stakeholder interventions will see an easing of the curfew in short order. 

 

"We have persons that are promoters, that's their livelihood. It is not our intention to stop the promoters from making their livelihood. They have families to feed as well. But we're also concerned about the safety and security of our residents who are going to these events," he sought to explain. 

 

The curfew includes Top Enfield, Dry River Bridge, Fort Stewart and May River.

 

In the meantime, the commanding officer for St. Mary said the police will be extending their operation to all communities in Annotto Bay.

 

Acting Superintendent Anthony Wallace said large gatherings will not be permitted at churches or businesses without police presence.