Singjay Hitman Walle welcomes the state of emergency imposed on the St Catherine North Police Division.

“The violence was squeezing the life of Spanish Town. I remember back in the 90s, we used to have a lot of shows at Perry Skateland, City Rock — which was like Spanish Town Stone Love — used to play at dances all over, we had Early Buss Out, we had Della Splash.

Every big man used to keep the events in their communities….Spanish Town had a vibes,” Hitman Walle recalled. “But when the violence started, the war between the gangs, borders started to form. City Rock owner had to pack up and cut, nuff elders dead, youths a go jail or inna the ground, and the legacy forward to the point where dem will kill five one place, so the time dread. Right now, this state of emergency show say Spanish Town can make a comeback.”

Prior to the declaration of the March 18 State of Public Emergency, some 48 murders were committed in St Catherine North between January 1 and 17. It has been extended until July 3.

“Mi see the youths a play ball again, nobody nah dead and people a sleep with their windows open. Spanish Town feel lighter and safer,” he said.

Hitman Walle, who hails from Sydenham in Spanish Town, was a fixture on the stage show circuit in the 1990s

“Spanish Town will come back. After a storm, there must be a calm. What the business community must do now is come in with apprenticeships and a mentorship programme. Don’t play the blame game; mothers, don’t give up on your sons and daughters…let us dress this sore foot while we still can,” said the artiste born Walter Nembhard.

Hitman Walle is known for songs including Miss You I Cry and Caribbean Queen. His sophomore album Party Next Door was released last November.