MP promises normality in Spanish Town following killing of alleged gang leader

By Prince Moore    

 

Member Parliament for St. Catherine Central Olivia Grange has sought to assure the public that things will be back to normal Friday, following the shut down of businesses in Spanish Town due to the police killing of Othneil Lobban or 'Tickman'.

 

Mr. Lobban, the reputed leader of the One Order gang, was killed during a police operation in St. Andrew Wednesday night.

 

Ms. Grange is encouraging members of the business community to reopen their establishments as, according to her, there will be no further disruption. 

 

"The business community has been reassured that there is nothing to fear. We are back to the normal operation and functioning of this division. So I just want to say to the public, and to the citizens of Spanish Town, we are moving forward. To the business community, please open up your business, we are back to normal. Whatever are the issues, we will deal with them, but we are not going to disrupt the functioning of the division or Spanish Town," she declared. 

 

Mr. Lobban was shot by members of the Joint Anti-Gang Task Force along Washington Boulevard in the vicinity of the Six Miles bridge.

 

An illegal firearm, reportedly belonging to Mr. Lobban, was seized during the incident. 

 

President of the St. Catherine Chamber of Commerce & Industry Dennis Robotham said business interests in the old capital are well placed to deal with the fall out from the current upheaval in Spanish Town.

 

A 48-hour curfew was imposed in the St. Catherine capital, which will have a negative effect on commerce.

 

Mr. Robotham said his members have become accustomed to dealing with upheavals in Spanish Town and are well aware that it will take some time for consumers to become more comfortable to go out and shop.

 

He added that assurances have been given by the authorities that adequate security measures are in place. 

 

"Based on experience and based on information from the Commanding Officer of this area, Mr. Hopton Nicholson has assured us that the space is well looked after and it is properly monitored. There is enough boots on the ground to ensure our safety. We are not going to see things come back to normalcy by tomorrow, because usually it is a period of about two-three weeks that you would see complete normalcy, where people will become comfortable in the space and begin to come out again in their numbers. It is a gradual projection that will continue to happen over the next two or so weeks," he expained. 

 

Mr. Robotham said he does not expect an assault on businesses within Spanish Town.

 

A section of the Courts furniture store in the town was damaged after being set ablaze during the latest protest.

 

Mr. Robotham said past unrests have not seen business places being targeted, and while reprisals cannot be ruled out, he doubts "there will be any persons who will try to make any problems in the space" with the current presence of the security forces.