INVERNESS, Manchester — A political representative in Manchester says criminals have got more brazen in recent weeks as despite heightened security measures in the parish, there continues to be a spike in murders.

Councillor Karl Smith (People’s National Party, Knockpatrick Division) said Friday that despite the police’s ongoing patrols in Inverness district, residents are fearful following a recent spate of robberies with the latest incident turning deadly.

An undated photo of murder victim Rushaine Weltshire.

Rushaine Weltshire, 30, became Manchester’s 43rd murder victim on Thursday night when, about 9:00 pm, two masked gunmen opened fire on him and his girlfriend at a bar the woman operated in Inverness, near Sunset, Knockpatrick. A taxi was also shot up by the gunmen as they made their escape. The taxi driver escaped without injury and took the injured woman to hospital where she underwent emergency surgery and has been admitted.

“There has been a number of break-ins in that area…Ten minutes before the incident the police were in the area. We are dealing with a new set of criminals who are on the lookout for the police and it is like they are studying the patterns of the police,” Smith said on Friday afternoon. Official figures from the police show 42 murders in Manchester up to October 20, an almost 17 per cent increase over the 36 recorded for the same period last year. The parish has also recorded 36 shootings, nine per cent above last year. Smith, speaking with reporters at the Manchester Municipal Corporation, said residents are fearful.

“There is a high level of fear within the community. I spoke to a lady who lives very close to where the incident took place and she was telling me that they are all terrified and scared,” he said. A relative of Weltshire told the Jamaica Observer that he is in shock over the incident.

“I never know that it could knock at my door. Now I really feel how other people feel when these things hit them and makes me wonder where are we going as a country. This is really not Manchester any more. You are not safe anywhere any more. The way I see it, even the security need security,” he said. Smith, meanwhile, said curfews cannot be the main security measure to curtail crime in Manchester.

“I have gotten reports that bars have been robbed in broad daylight in that area, so I am not sure if closing the bar at 6 o’ clock or 7 o’ clock would change any situation because robberies have taken place in broad daylight,” he said.

“My sentiments have not changed; if there is a spike in crime in the area then by all means. You have one-off incidents and I am not sure if any curfew can prevent that. Robberies have happened in the day, so I am not sure how curfew would stop that in the day,” he added.Four people have been killed in Manchester so far in October, including a double murder at the Mandeville Market. Following the incident, Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang toured the facility and areas surrounding Mandeville a week ago. He also met with residents, business and political leaders to address their concerns on crime. However, Smith believes the objective of that meeting was not achieved.

Councillor Karl Smith, Knockpatrick Division, speaking to reporters Friday about crime in the parish. (Photo: Kasey Williams)

“Based on the reaction from stakeholders, none of their issues weren’t [resolved]; that is the feedback from promoters who were present at the function,” he said. At the same time, he said the Manchester police have been having dialogue with councillors.

“We have met with the acting superintendent. We went through a lot of issues and suggestions were made and in fact, we should have another meeting with him today. I think they have considered some of the recommendations from the councillors,” he said.When asked if he has engaged Manchester Central Member of Parliament Rhoda Crawford, Smith responded saying “to be honest no, we haven’t…”.

“The matter of crime it is not a political thing. One life lost is one too many. I am willing to sit down at the table with any and everybody just to sort out and make the Knockpatrick Division a safer division,” he added.