Police dismiss claims of political tension after PNP candidate's car set on fire, alleged culprit killed

 

The Police High Command is dismissing claims of political tension in the Rose Hall division in St. James, after the motor vehicle of the PNP councillor candidate was set on fire on Thursday night.

 

A man said to be responsible for setting the fire was fatally shot in the community less than two hours later.

 

The dead man, 44-year-old Kenroy Doeman, was found with bullet wounds sometime after 9 p.m. in an area known as Africa, close to his home.

 

Assistant Commissioner Clifford Chambers, head of the Area 1 police headquarters, told Radio Jamaica News that there is no political tension in the area arising from the two incidents. 

 

"Let me make it categorically clear that there's no evidence at this stage that is linking his demise to any political friction," he insisted.

 

He explained that Mr. Doeman, who is said to be schizophrenic, made a request of the political representative which was denied. 

 

"The caretaker, to my understanding, refused to purchase the alcoholic beverage that he demanded and as a result of that he was a little bit upset and then he left the precinct."   

 

ACP Chambers said investigators are probing reports that Mr. Doeman was later seen setting fire to the vehicle of the PNP candidate, Jason Cummings. 

 

"Hours after that he was fatally shot, but they have not yet at this stage verified that the two incidents are linked. Investigators have information relating to the vehicle that the men fired from, killing him," said the senior cop.  

 

Meanwhile, ACP Chambers said campaigning by the representatives of the two main political parties in St. James has so far been incident free.

 

"We are seen camaraderie between the major political parties, which is good, and we as police officers are canvassing the areas, giving the necessary approval for the public march, the meeting, giving the necessary support where necessary as it relates to maintaining law and order and ensuring that the public affairs are not unduly blocked. But so far we're seeing a high level of maturity from the parties involved and for that we're extremely grateful," he said. 

 

 

The Jamaica Labour Party councillor candidate for the Rose Hall Division, Anthony Murray, has said his party condemns what he called the "unfortunate incident" which occurred in Lilliput on Thursday night.

 

In an interview with the Gleaner, Mr. Murray insisted the JLP was not involved or had any influence on the two incidents.

 

Mr. Murray maintained that the JLP is promoting a clean campaign and does not support violence.