"ANDREW PHANG MUST leave now"
The graffiti on the wall of the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex in Arnett Gardens tells only a part of the story, but residents of that inner-city community know full well that there is trouble on the horizon.
The community, more commonly known as Concrete Jungle, is reportedly on the verge of a bloody turf war which could also involve men from the neighbouring communities of Jones Town and Craig Town, THE WEEKEND STAR understands. Residents tell THE WEEKEND STAR that since last Friday the community has become like a time bomb waiting to explode. They say the tension has resulted from efforts by a well known area leader to 'dethrone' Arnett Gardens don George Phang, his brother Andrew, and several other community leaders.
Confirming the severity of the situation, Superintendent Gary Griffiths, Commanding Officer for the West Kingston Division under which the communities fall, told THE WEEKEND STAR that investigations by the police have discovered that the entire situation is as a result of a power struggle. "There is a war afoot for turf control between some prominent people so the men have joined alliance to one person or the other," he said.
The graffiti on the walls in the community also speak volumes as to the reasons for the potential uprising. The writings warn the Phangs to leave and accuses George of 'knowing about the death of William 'Willie Haggart' Moore and wanting to destroy the community. Moore was cut down in his community by gunmen more than three years ago. He was shot several times at close range. Police investigating Moore's death, say George Phang was never a suspect in the killing.
This latest impasse between dons has led to the deaths of two men in the last week. Residents named the dead men as Anthony 'Chuncie' Folkes, 47, and Andrew 'Cessface' Laing, both of Jones Town. A man known only as 'Omari' and an unidentified man suffered injuries during this period. STAR investigations indicate that it is just a matter of time before the fuse is lit. "Is just because police in deh every day and soldier curfew every nite mek di man dem nuh rise up yet," one resident of Arnett Gardens said.
"Di man dem want George Phang and him bredda out and it look like dem nuh intend fi leave so tings bound fi happen," another said.
Joined forces
Information reaching THE WEEKEND STAR indicates that men from Jungle, Craig and Jones Towns have joined forces and vowed to oust the Phangs after they learnt of a 'top level meeting'. Residents say a man from Craig Town went to kill a man from Jones Town last Friday morning, but was held and shot and eventually 'blew the whistle' on the meeting. Later that same day 'Chuncie', said to be one of Phang's right hand men, was shot dead in Jones Town. A few hours later 'Cessface' was attacked and stabbed to death also in Jones Town.
Two days later residents of Arnett Gardens woke up to see areas in their communities, including the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex, covered by graffiti calling for the removal of the Phangs. On Wednesday morning, a man said to be a cousin of a woman who has a child for 'Chuncie', was shot and injured in Arnett Gardens. And yesterday morning, gunshots echoed in Craig Town as gunmen said to be loyal to the two opposing factions traded bullets.
Since the Good Friday killing, Supt. Griffiths said, security forces have been working around the clock to prevent any escalation to the violence. He explained that a curfew has been imposed in Arnett Gardens every night and the police and military are constantly in the community throughout the day. He said they have also conducted raids and taken into custody several persons believed to be involved in the situation.
A WEEKEND STAR news team visited the area several times during the week and on every occasion policemen and soldiers were seen on patrol. Residents were out in their numbers but all who spoke with THE WEEKEND STAR said they were keeping their eyes and ears open for when 'hell bus' loose'.
