Terrelonge, Pryce search for solutions after predawn hell

In the aftermath of Saturday’s early morning attack at 44 Walkers Avenue in Gregory Park, there are varying views on the path forward in bringing safety back to the traumatised members of the community. The incident left more than 45 people homeless, including infant children.

Alando Terrelonge, member of parliament (MP) for St Catherine East Central, who visited the area yesterday, said the violent incident was an act of terrorism perpetrated by armed gangsters.

“This is not merely arson. These are terrorists with a malicious agenda to terrorise the people of Gregory Park,” Terrelonge emphatically told The Gleaner.

He noted the persistent pattern of violence, which he said has been affecting the area since 2017, and renewed a call for the implementation of a zone of special operations (ZOSO) in Gregory Park.

He stressed that action needed to be taken urgently to prevent “terrorists” from freely perpetuating acts of violence, including firebombing homes and taking innocent lives.

The MP went on to express deep concern over the 48-hour curfew imposed by the police, which was set to end today, and how it was contributing to an atmosphere of fear among residents.

Terrelonge reiterated that the long-term solution for the community lies in the development of low-income housing and improved infrastructure. He stressed the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all residents free from the threat of terrorism and violence.

During his visit to the affected community, he distributed care packages to the victims and assured them that he had already engaged Prime Minister Andrew Holness in discussion about the situation.

Terrelonge conveyed the Government’s commitment to address the homelessness issue by exploring solutions within the social housing programme.

No political overtone

In the meantime, Raymond Pryce the People’s National Party representative for the constituency, said the torching of homes in ‘Mexico’, which left 15 people homeless last week, and the similar torching of 11 homes at 44 Walkers Avenue on Saturday, has no political overtone.

“Let me rubbish all those assertions that this is motivated by politics, and if it is motivated by politics, it is not politics of the People’s National Party nor is it the politics to which I subscribe,” said Pryce, who was visiting the area at the same time as Terrelonge.

He warned that the public should not take the easy route and label the incidents political as the society would be robbed of the opportunity to find out what had really caused the grievances that placed the lives of children at risk.

He also called for an apartment-style complex to be established in the area where the 11 houses were located.