PORUS, Manchester — A political representative here says an ongoing feud between neighbouring communities is causing fear among residents and is believed to be the motive behind a series of murders, including the shooting death of a man on Monday night.

Councillor Mario Mitchell (People’s National Party, Bellefield Division) told the
Jamaica Observer on Tuesday that the incident in which Sameik Stephens was shot in the head is the latest act of violence in Porus.

“I am very concerned about the spate of crimes in the parish of Manchester. I thought there was a slowing down in terms of the murders, but to hear that there was a murder on Monday night in Clarke’s Town, Porus, is very shocking to me,” he said.

Stephens, otherwise called Ghost or Brown man, was shot dead while walking to his Clarke’s Town, Porus, home.

Residents told the Observer that about 9:40 pm they heard loud explosions and subsequently found Stephens’ body with a gunshot wound to the head.Residents theorise that Stephens was walking home when he was attacked and shot less than 150 metres from his house.Detectives processed the scene late Monday night as Manchester’s murder figure increased to 44 following the incident.Statistics from the police show that up to Saturday, November 9, Manchester recorded 43 murders since the start of the year when compared to 38 for the corresponding period last year.

Mitchell said tension is high in Porus despite multiple meetings between the police and residents.

“There is something brewing between the young men within the area from the various communities. I know that there was a shooting in Trinity. There was also a shooting on a young man in Porus, who is from Clarke’s Town, so this is the second victim from Clarke’s Town,” he said.

“I am told the rift is further down in Redberry and Trinity. The police haven’t confirmed it but what I am hearing from the residents within Porus is that there is a rift going on between young men from various communities — Redberry and Trinity, specifically — and somehow you have persons who have taken sides,” he added.

Mitchell said he hopes the feud will end, with the festive season fast approaching.

“We are going to see how best we can put a lid on the problem itself. [We have to] identify who the players are to see how best we can combat this issue because Porus is the gateway to Manchester… We will not allow a few rotten apples to make Porus a place where people live in fear,” he said.

Clarke’s Town is one of several areas in Porus which was under curfew in recent weeks. Mitchell made it clear that he supports the initiatives deployed by the police to mitigate crimes.

“All of the councillors have met with Deputy Superintendent Duncan and the Mandeville police on a number of occasions since the spate of violence started. We are also meeting with stakeholders. But I want to encourage citizens themselves who have information [to tell the police],” he said.

“I know there is some kind of hold on entertainment permits for the areas where we have murders, and it will continue now that we have another murder. The police will get the full support to ensure that whatever is needed will be done to put a lid on what is happening,” he added.