Dr Waul releases statement appealing to gangsters in Old Harbour Bay

Just seven days apart two men were gunned down in separate homicides last week – both unrelated – but according to the police are linked to longstanding gang wars between rival factions.

A tense calm now hovers over the community and its approximately 8,000 inhabitants which is the largest fishing beach in Jamaica.

It is also classified by the police as a major entry point for the transshipment of illegal guns and drugs in Jamaica due to is porous coastline largely unmanned for the most part.

Members of the security forces have increased their presence in the community following the killing of 27-year-old Jamey Small of Thompson Pen Lane and 34-year-old Owen Creary of Thirteen Street. This, the police say, is necessary in anticipation of reprisal attacks.

Dr Waul, the People’s National Party (PNP) chairman for the constituency of St Catherine South Western and councillor candidate for the Old Harbour South Division, says the current situation is causing residents to feel fearful of becoming hostages in their own community.

“I am deeply concerned about the recent murders that have taken place in the Old Harbour Bay Community after only recording one murder more than a year ago in 2021.

“The decent law abiding citizens and the business community who had welcomed the respite of peace and tranquility are now left wondering what will become of their freedom to carryout lawful activities and carry out business without interruption,” he said in a media statement.

Dr Waul is a native of Old Harbour Bay and resident of the constituency, and is very au fait with the cultural dynamics of the community.

The 45-year-old family physician is therefore appealing to gangsters to consider the repercussions of any violent actions they are plotting against each other.

“I urge the parties involved in these gang-related conflicts to desist from these community-destroying activities, as they themselves have family members and innocent children growing up in these communities and also will be adversely affected by the violence,” Dr Waul said.

“Furthermore, the law abiding citizens and the police hierarchy of St Catherine South will not stand by and watch our beloved communities descend into chaos again.

“I encourage anyone who can assist the police in maintaining peace and stability to do so. I also endorse the police 100 percent in whatever activities they have planned to curb crime and violence within Old Harbour Bay so as long as it doesn't impede law abiding citizens and the business operators from carrying out their lawful activities too much.”