Councillor's killing shocks colleagues

Around 2:30 yesterday afternoon, family members of the late Robert Williams arrived with a moving truck to pack his belongings, clearing his apartment at Norbrook Mews in St Andrew. He had just moved there four weeks ago.

Williams, 47, who was Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) councillor for the Norbrook division, lived there with his 20-year-old common-law wife. He became another Jamaican crime statistic when he was allegedly stabbed to death by his companion during a domestic dispute on Monday night.

According to police reports, the couple were at their home when a dispute developed. The woman is reported to have left the house but was followed by Williams, who reportedly attacked her. He was stabbed during the ensuing fracas. The Constabulary Communication Network says the woman made a report to the Constant Spring Police Station and later accompanied them to the scene where Williams' body was found with stab wounds at the intersection of Norbrook Road and Norbrook Mews shortly after 11 p.m.

The woman is now in custody and was being questioned. She has not been charged.

When The Gleaner visited the scene yesterday afternoon, the apartment at which he lived was quiet, with a group of domestic workers conversing. The apartment, which is fortified with huge metal gates, is located in the upscale part of St Andrew, known more for its pristine roads and manicured lawns.

Residents, workers sad

Wilford Gibson, a gardener who worked in the apartment complex, told The Gleaner that his family had just moved out. He also said the residents and workers were very sad at the passing of the politician.

"He was a nice man, I used to rap with him, it's sad that him gone, man," he said.

Karl Samuda, who is described as Williams' political mentor, said he was devastated by the killing. Williams, who was also known as 'Chi Chi', was described as a hard worker in Samuda's constituency of St Andrew North Central where his division was located.

"At this age, it's just a true tragedy to have lost his life in what I would regard as a totally meaningless fashion. I'm very saddened by this, really, and I will miss him extremely," he said.

Over at the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation where he was also chairman of the Commercial Committee, the mood was very sombre.

Mayor of Kingston and party colleague Desmond McKenzie said his death would leave a vacuum at the council.

"It's going to be a great loss for the party in the Corporate Area. He was a seasoned local politician and someone who was very close to the ground," he said.

Williams, who has represented the division since 2003, died leaving more than nine children.