OCHO RIOS, St Ann — At least one police officer has raised concerns about the way people are now settling disputes, following several stabbing deaths in fights that stemmed from “minor issues”.

“Persons don’t believe they can settle disputes amicably,” head of the St Ann Criminal Investigation Unit, Deputy Superintendent of Police Richard Hilton, told the

Jamaica Observer during a telephone interview.He pointed out that many people are being killed over “small items”.“We are losing lives — some young lives that could be contributing to their country… Persons are letting their anger drive them,” he said.The deputy superintendent called on people involved in disputes to seek the help of professionals or respectable community members to help settle these disputes.Among those killed in disputes recently are Akeem Berbick of Eight Miles, and Robert Gentles of Bamboo, both in St Ann.A 17-year-old schoolgirl of Fowler Town in Eight Miles has been charged with Berbick’s murder. She appeared before the St Ann Parish Court on Wednesday, where she was remanded.The teenager was charged after she reportedly stabbed 23-year-old Berbick following a dispute over a phone charger on May 25. Reports are that the two had an argument which escalated into a fight. The schoolgirl allegedly used a knife to inflict several stab wounds to Berbick’s abdomen. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.The police are also expected to charge a woman, who is said to be a commercial sex worker, after she allegedly stabbed and killed a man on May 24 in Salem, Runaway Bay.Reports are that the two got into an argument after the man allegedly robbed her of money he had initially paid her. The police were reportedly addressing the man when the woman stabbed him. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead. The man has still not been identified.A construction worker is also expected to be charged soon, following the stabbing death of a man on a construction site in Richmond, St Ann. Gentles, a 36-year-old labourer, was stabbed to death on May 27.Allegations are that he and the accused had an argument over money. Gentles reportedly used a machete to hit the accused man across his face. The accused man then allegedly used a knife to stab him several times.Gentles was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead while the accused was taken into police custody.