IN TUESDAY'S EDITION of THE STAR, the lead story spoke about the massive exodus of residents from Tawes Pen in Spanish Town, St. Catherine who are seeking to escape the violence affecting the community.
According to the story, while residents of Tawes Pen moved away, the residents of neighbouring Ellerslie Pen protested against the shootings in the community.
Violence in Spanish Town has been a problem for several years now. Efforts by the security forces, business interests and concerned citizens to address the crime situation have reaped little success.
The most recent upsurge of violence in the Old Capital is reportedly the result of a split between the notorious 'One Order' gang.
It is disturbing that while some people in the community protest for peace and run away to protect their lives, others who have information refuse to talk. The problems with the 'One Order' gang did not just happen over night and it seems the first person or persons who decided to say nothing have now contributed to a problem that is proving difficult to fix.
Residents of Spanish Town must realise that they have a role to play in protecting their lives and that of their fellow citizens.
Each resident must realise that to make the community safe again will require a massive collaborative effort of all agencies and all residents against all criminal elements.
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