Barricaded to prevent drive-by shootings - Police erect barriers in Trench Town as violent attacks increase

Security barricades have been erected in the community of Trench Town from Lower First Street to Fifth Street along each intersection linking West Road to prevent further drive-by shooting as tension continues to increase in the area.

There has been a spate of deadly shootings in the community believed to be fuelled by warring factions.

The community has been placed under curfew since 7 p.m. Thursday and this will remain in effect until 6 p.m. today.

The curfew follows Wednesday’s fatal shooting at a nine night of a slain vendor, Debbie Eaton, about 9 p.m. on First Street.

Three persons, including a pregnant woman, were shot and injured.

The deceased in that shooting has been identified as 41-year-old Trace Newland.

Residents told The Gleaner that they fear that Wednesday’s shooting may have deepened tensions in the space.

“Is first I am seeing the barriers put up like that. Each barrier need a police, barriers alone can’t stop gunman. The police know that things can get ugly. They don’t even want to see any gathering outside of the curfew hours. The place tense a way,” the resident told The Gleaner.

The security forces have heightened their presence in the community with regular patrols.

Senior Superintendent of Police Stephanie Lindsay, who heads the police Corporate Communications Unit (CCU), said the curfew will not be lifted until an assessment is done.

“In this instance, we know that one of the victims in this particular shooting incident is one where we anticipate there could be counter shooting and reprisals, so we are looking at it from many standpoints…”, Lindsay said.

In the first week of the new year, more than 15 murders have been occurred across the island.

Meanwhile, the Police High Command has kicked off the year with the transfer of some senior officers, effective January 25.

Lindsay said the High Command looked at the overall force and part of the strategy is to align people and skills.

“As part of the strategic direction of the force for 2021, Commissioner Major General Antony Anderson has reassigned some officers, right across the country. There have been some changes at command levels as well as other levels within the force. Twenty-three gazetted officers have been reassigned,” Lindsay said.