A major joint operation between the military and police which began at 4 a.m. in Tivoli Gardens, West Kingston today, reportedly resulted in the detention of a prominent businessman and an area leader.
A curfew was imposed on the community as the lawmen search for men they believe were involved in the slaying of three police men in May.Sporadic gunfire burst from several pointsin the community as the security forces clashed with armed men.
Head of the West Kingston Division Deputy Superintendent Delroy Hewitt said that
three women were shot and injured during the operation.
According to Kingston Mayor and councillor for the area Desmond McKenzie, imself and Member of Parliament Bruce Golding along with other persons from the community had gathered at the police station on Spanish Town Road to observe the action of the lawmen. He told a radio programme that a contingent of police and soldiers opened fire on the group and the women were hit.
POLICE-MILITARY OPERATION
A Star news team said the Jamaica Labour Party top brass, led by Mr. Golding, Derrick Smith and Ken Baugh along with Peace Management Initiative facilitator Rev. Herro Blair and more than 200 JLP supporters remained inside the Denham Town Primary school and along the outskirts on North Street observing the situation.
West Kingston has suffered for many years with violent clashes between rival gangs and in 2001 a police-military operation came under fire from gunmen and some 26 persons were killed.
