Warning recash for gold
Published:Friday | August 27, 2010 | 12:00 AM
The Editor, Sir:
I wish to warn the Jamaican public that the cash-for-gold phenomenon is one that they should take as seriously as gunmen invading their homes. On a recent trip to Jamaica, I observed a young man no older than 20 years calling out "Cash for gold; 20 grand per ounce."
Now, this youth I doubt could spell 20, but he was there doing business in full view of everyone. Further up the road a man apparently in his 50s was plying the same trade. I saw a young woman go to him and inquire of price, etc. During all of this, she was oblivious to five men stationed nearby in the vicinity of both traders eyeing the transactions and making visual and physical gestures with them.
Afterwards, she decided to trade her gold for the cash and, to the delight of her and her friends, they walked away. Shortly afterwards, two of the men briskly went to collect the gold while two others trailed the young woman and friends after they walked away. The remaining gentleman then went on his quite fancy cellphone and began a conversation.
It was only recently that the same trend was being observed in areas of Miami and Fort Lauderdale by citizens and police. People are purchasing gold only to trail their victims and pounce on them at their homes or elsewhere.
People need to realise that 'cash-for-gold' may be a front for criminality at all levels of society, and just don't think it's people trivially wanting old gold to keep. It's a dangerous new trend.
I am, etc.,
DONNA SCOTT
Fort lauderdale, Florida