THE p0lice yesterday extended the curfew that was imposed in sections of Kingston Central at the start of this week for another 48 hours, with it now scheduled to end at 7:00 pm today, June 25, as the orgy of violence related to a gang dispute continued.

With the extension of the curfew in the neighbouring police division, head of the East Kingston Police Division, Superintendent Tomilee Chambers, has warned residents of Rae Town — which forms part of the Kingston Central constituency — that they could miss out on the relaxation on the COVID-19 protocols for entertainment events because of the spate of murders and shootings in the community.

Superintendent Chambers’ comments came hours after 34-year-old Onerio Cornwall, otherwise called Spoogy, of a Fisher’s Rowe address in Rae Town, was fatally shot by gunmen inside his house.

Reports are that Cornwall and his girlfriend were asleep when three armed men, who identified themselves as police, kicked open the door to the house and opened fire at them.

Cornwall was shot several times in the upper body. He was pronounced dead at hospital. His girlfriend sustained a gunshot wound but survived the attack.

On Wednesday afternoon, the police toured sections of Rae Town in an attempt to reassure residents that they have the support of cops in these difficult times. The police were joined by a church group from the community.

Some residents were reluctant to speak with journalists or the police, due to fear that gangsters were watching them and would target and accuse them of being “informers”.

Chambers warned the residents that they were at risk of losing out on the chance to host parties and other entertainment events, as curfews could spoil any fun that awaits them.

He told the Jamaica Observer that the police will do their best to pursue those involved in a gang war in central Kingston, which has extended to Rae Town.

“A gang conflict is going on in Rae Town and we are trying to see how we can pick up some information. We are trying our best to pursue who is committing these crimes and put an end to this.

“We are walking through the space, trying to see how best we can bring back some calm to the community and reassure citizens that we are here with them, and we are asking them not to take matters into their own hands,” said Superintendent Chambers.

CENTRAL KINGSTON CURFEW BOUNDARIES

• North along East Queen Street, from the intersection with Hanover Street to the intersection with South Camp Road;

• East along South Camp Road, from the intersection with East Queen Street to the intersection with Water Lane;

• South along Water Lane, from the intersection with South Camp Road to the intersection with Hanover Street; and

• West along Hanover Street, from the intersection with Water Lane to the intersection with East Queen Street.

• During the hours of the curfew, everyone within the boundaries of the curfew are required to remain within their premises unless otherwise authorised, in writing, by the ground commander.