A popular Montego Bay vendor was brutally murdered in the heart of the city (Sam Sharpe Square) on Saturday as gun violence continues in St. James, despite the parish being under a State of Public Emergency.
A man was also shot and killed in the Paradise, Norwood area on Sunday.
The deceased have been identified as 57-year-old Valda Kellier, vendor of Upper King Street, and 27-year-old mason Obrian Hartley, otherwise called ‘Humpa’ of Paradise Norwood.
Reports indicate that pedestrians and vendors were sent scampering Saturday night when a barrage of explosions rang out in Sam Sharpe Square in the vicinity of Lawrence Lane about 10 p.m.
The police were summoned and, on their arrival, Kellier and two other persons were seen lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds.
The three were subsequently transported to the Cornwall Regional Hospital where Kellier was pronounced dead and the other two persons admitted in stable condition.
The Barnett Street police who are investigating have indicated that Kellier’s death was a contract killing with an alleged overseas connection.
Meanwhile, on Sunday about 7:25 p.m., residents reported hearing explosions and summoned the police. The lawmen, on their arrival to the scene, found the body of Hartley lying motionless on the right side in his yard with what appeared to be gunshot wounds to both feet and the right side of his back.
He was transported to the Cornwall Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Eleven spent casings were taken from the scene.
With two loud explosions and the body of 22-year-old Marcus Phillip Tucker stumbling across her living room after responding to a knock at the door, a brave young woman knew something had gone horrifyingly wrong. In a swift response when a masked man entered her apartment with a gun in hand, she jumped on to his back, and a struggle ensued. She managed to disarm the masked gunman, and in another act of desperation, she also managed to unmask him, revealing none other than her brother.
That was not a scene from a movie, but rather the sequence of events that unfolded which resulted in the death of young Tucker, a resident of Mona Commons, Papine, St. Andrew, who was visiting a friend in the community of Jungle Lane, Ricketts River, Westmoreland.
Information reaching the Western Mirror is that Tucker was staying at the home of his friend, Albert, and was sitting in the living room when he heard a knocking on the front door. He opened the door and a masked gunman opened gunfire at him, hitting him in the mouth.
Mr. Tucker then ran inside the bedroom and was chased by the gunman, who continued shooting at him. The young woman who also resides at the house jumped on the back of the gunman and managed to disarm and unmask him. He, however, fled the scene, and managed to take the weapon, that the police later seized.
Tucker received gunshot wounds to his mouth and left side and was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries the following day.
Acting on information, investigators went to a section of the parish on Sunday in search of the accused. He was found and taken into custody.
Those events also revealed how the police were able to identify the masked killer, Demar Lawrence, the brother of one of the house’s occupants, Allison Lawrence, who was present at the time of the brazen and bizarre attack.
Reports indicate that the tragedy-struck home belonged to a friend of Tucker, Albert Lawrence, who was absent at the time of the incident.
Reports reaching this newsroom are that Tucker was shortly after rushed to the hospital, where he subsequently succumbed to his injuries, but with the discovery made by Allison Lawrence, it was not long after that the lawmen were able to apprehend the suspect.
It is uncertain whether Lawrence attempted to challenge the lawmen, but he was found in possession of Browning Single Action pistol, with a magazine containing ten 9 MM rounds. The police were also able to recover a spent shell from the scene of the crime.
Tucker, who received gunshot wounds to the mouth and to his left side, was taken to the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital where he was admitted in a stable condition, but later died as a result of his injuries.
FOR THE CHAMPIONS: Crissano Dalley (2nd right) hands over the winning trophy to delighted members of the Somerton team following their victory in the Sandals/ATL Senior League finale at Jarrett Park. Somerton won the encounter 5-4, beating Melbourne, earning a spot in the Western CONFED. Also sharing in the moment are Gregory Daley, president of the St. James FA (1st R) and Dennis Waite also of the sponsors (1st Left)
– Noelita Lawrence photo
Sandals/ATL Senior League
Noelita Lawrence
Somerton Football Club are still celebrating their stunning hold on the St. James Football Association Senior League title.
The flamboyant side hoisted the title and sealed participation to the Western CONFED Super League next season, with a thrilling 5-4 extra time win over stuttering Melbourne in the championship game played at Jarrett Park last Saturday (April 28).`
Substitute Clive Grizzle found the back of the net twice for the ‘country team’, with Marvin Ellis finding the killer in the second stanza of extra time, the 104th minute.
The teams were forced into extra time after battling to a pulsating 3-3 draw in regulation time.
Dwayne Anderson and Sean Matherson in the 14th and 17th minutes, were the other scorers for the exciting Somerton team.
da’Costa Cup winner, Dwayne Harding, with a double on 9 and 57 minutes, veteran Norman Foster from the penalty spot in the 70th and another longtime player, captain Davion Brown, were those who hit the back of the net for the 7-times finalists Melbourne.
The fleet-footed Marvin Ellis was named the League’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) as the Somerton team also walked away $150,000.
DRAMATIC CLASH
Making yet another appearance in the final, knowing they were yet to claim a solitary title, Melbourne, the longest-serving team in the Senior League, was swift out of the blocks and cantered into the ascendancy when Harding pounced to send them ahead after just nine minutes into the contest.
Somerton, by then, had settled and quickly found the equalizing goal when Anderson struck.
Melbourne had the chance to again get ahead but Rayon Cameron missed from 12 yards out after Leighton Spence of Somerton had handled the ball inside the penalty area.
From the resulting kick, Cameron sent his shot sailing over the bar to the shock of his teammates.
Somerton afterwards took charge of the match-up and missed several chances including one from about three yards out, almost on the goal line.
Substitute and two-times National League winner Foster, a player coach for Melbourne, then nudged Melbourne ahead in the 70th minute when he slammed home from the penalty spot, despite the keeper getting a firm hand to the ball after a Melbourne player was hacked down in the area by Derrick Allen.
However, just when it seemed they would hold on to claim their first-ever senior title, Kaywana Harvey produced a classic header to level the scores at 3-3 to send the game into extra time.
Somerton struck twice during the extra time period to clinch the title with Grizzle striking in the 90+9 minutes of extra time when he stabbed a deep cross, following a fumble by the Melbourne custodian who should have collected the ball inside the 18-yard box.
The talented Ellis, who had the beating of every defender sent against him down the flank, made it 5-4 90+14 minutes when he fired in a shot on the run from about 22 yards out to seal the title.
Trying to lead from the front, but with defeat looming, Captain Brown popped up, three minutes later (90+17 minutes) to cut the deficit to one when he unleashed a cracker from outside the 18.
But that would be all they get as time ran out.
Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang (left) is presented with a token of appreciation from President of the ACCP, Michael A. DeSilva at the 33rd Annual General Meeting and conference of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police. The conference is being guided by the theme, “An Integrated Approach Towards Serious and Organised Crime – Implications for Regional Growth and Development.
Sashane Shakes
Delegates address the issue of crime at the 33rd Annual General Meeting and conference of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre (MBCC) on Monday, April 30, 2018.
Jamaica’s Security Minister, Dr Horace Chang, acknowledged that one of the detriments of crime being faced is geographically based, as being strategically placed between North America and Latin America provides the opportunity for criminal activities.
“It’s easy to get from Latin America into North America; it’s the logical route. But while it provides opportunities for our economies, it provides huge challenges as there are opportunities for those who are involved in illegitimate activities,” stated Dr Chang.
He addressed the issue of serious crimes and organised crimes that are threatening and undermining the institution of the law, creating fear in many communities and by extension the country.
In light of the issues relating to crime being faced, Dr Chang said that it is time to take an appropriate modification to achieve an agile solution using a complex stream of networks.
He stated that the incentive approach would be to call for the skills and awareness to intercept and counter organised criminals who themselves have started their organizations, further mentioning that the collaboration with the police force has been transforming Montego Bay using modern technology available.
He maintained that the region is stronger together, including the importance of the collaboration between the commissions of police and the other stakeholders; noting that the team acting in unison is best to achieve success.
Slated to last the entire week from April 30 – May 4, the opening ceremony heard remarks from many influential forces in the police commission.
A member of the police force marches with the Jamaican flag during the flag ceremony at the 33rd Annual General Meeting and conference of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police. Delegates from the 25 ACCP member countries, other stakeholders and exhibitors from around the world are expected to be in attendance of the week-long event which is slated to last from Monday April 30 – Friday, May 4. Dignitaries seated in front are (l-r) Mayor Homer Davis, Ed. Bartlett – Minister of Tourism, Major General Anthony Anderson – Commissioner of Police and Minister of National Security, Dr. Horace Chang. -Phillip Green photos
DISPROPORTIONATE HOMICIDES
President of the ACCP, Michael A. DeSilva pointed out that the most significant issue facing our Force and our communities is the violence of criminal gangs. “The Caribbean has disproportionate numbers of homicides that outpaces most of the rest of the world,” he continued, adding that these challenging law enforcement issues require resources and the demand of our police are increasing.
He called for a strategic plan to guide and drive the work of the ACCP, “To ensure that all the resources are being used to full effect to address the most important areas of precinct that make real differences within our communities.”
Head of the Bermuda Police Services, DeSilva, outlined the three operational areas that govern this are: to increase fighting crime, to increase order and cyber security and, to enhance police visibility; all these efforts depend on the 4th priority which is to include the ACCP business processes so they can enhance the ability to support the members and bring peace and security to the region.
The region, he maintained, is home to over 40 million people which is only a mere 1% of the world’s population. With globalisation and technological advances in the last few years, they’ve given rise to a more able policing body in areas of forensic technologies, among others, playing important roles in the police sector.
With a mandate as an international collaborative partner, the ACCP serves to help improve member capabilities and increase their capacities.
Among the delegates present were members from the different ACCP member nations, other stakeholders and exhibitors from around the world.
The authorities, up to press time, were still struggling to ascertain the identities of the charred remains of two male passengers and the body of a woman, all of whom died in a motor vehicle accident along the Duncans main road in Trelawny on Monday.
The fatal accident is reported to have taken place at about 1:45 p.m., when a Nissan Tiida, which was heading in the direction of Falmouth, veered out of the designated lane and collided with a Toyota Wish – being operated as a taxi and being driven in the opposite direction – along the Duncans main road going towards Discovery Bay.
The Nissan Tiida reportedly burst into flames upon impact, resulting in the two male occupants, who were reportedly trapped in the vehicle, being burnt beyond recognition. One female passenger from the Toyota Wish motorcar received multiple injuries and died at the scene. Six other persons who were also reportedly travelling in the Wish had to be transported to hospital for treatment. The force of the impact reportedly dislodged the engine of the Tiida, which was thrust out of the vehicle. One unit from the Falmouth fire department extinguished the blaze.
Meanwhile, the National Road Safety Council has reported that 10 less fatalities were recorded in Western Jamaica up to May 1 this year. Statistical data indicate that 39 fatalities were recorded when compared with 49 for the same period last year.
The parish of Trelawny leads the way with 10 fatalities, Hanover 9, St. James 8, St. Elizabeth 7 and Westmoreland 5.
Westmoreland, however, had a good showing with a sharp decline from 24 road fatalities last year down to five this year, an 80 percent decline.
On the national scene 105 fatalities were recorded from 92 accidents since the start of the year which is 5 less fatalities when compared with the same period last year with 102 fatal accidents and 119 fatalities.
It took nearly two hours of nonstop gunfire, the near-lethal injuring of two police officers and a tactical breach team from the JDF to take down one of St. James’ Most Wanted – Nico ‘Bowza’ Samuels, who, just last year (2017), was wanted for a triple murder.
What many residents in the upscale community of Hatfield Meadows, Coral Gardens hoped would have been another quiet Sunday afternoon, quickly turned into a ferocious exchange of gunfire between lawmen and an undisclosed number of men, including Samuels, who were holed up in a residence inside the community.
It is unclear how the lawmen became aware of the men’s presence in that house, but upon approaching it, according to reports, the lawmen were greeted with a barrage of bullets, beginning what turned out to be a 2-hour long shootout, which saw special forces flown from Kingston to neutralize the threats to the community and the, at the time, outmatched police officers.
JDF BREACH UNIT
According to one resident, who claimed to have witnessed the events unfolding, “As the man dem [lawmen] approach [the house], shots turn on pon dem.” The resident further relayed that as gunfire was exchanged between the officers and the men, two helicopters shortly after came, from which a number of soldiers were seen exiting. Unconfirmed reports are that those men represented a Jamaica Defense Force tactical breaching unit.
Even with the addition of that elite force, the gunfire persisted, with the men seemingly matching the officers bullet for bullet, causing some to allege that up to six men were inside the house returning fire on the lawmen – a statement which has yet to be confirmed by the Jamaica Constabulary Force or the JDF.
As the perilous exchange continued, however, two lawmen were wounded, with reports indicating that one was hit in his right shoulder, while the other, also a member of the JCF, sustained injuries to his legs.
Despite the increasing danger and the loss of manpower from losing the two officers to bullet injuries, the lawmen remained undeterred and shortly after, cordoned off the entire compound, making way for the JDF’s breach team to swoop into action.
Several unconfirmed reports suggest that after the compound was cordoned off, a contingent of JCF and JDF officers surrounded the property, allowing the breach team to strategically advance, following which a barrage of bullets rang out.
Samuels’ bullet-riddled body was observed lying on the ground, clad in a white merino and a black jeans pants, next to a closet which he allegedly attempted to seek refuge in.
Two firearms were reportedly recovered from the scene.
It is being reported that no other men were found in the house, but an anonymous source revealed to the Western Mirror that other individuals who were unrelated to the shootings were trapped in the house, and that they were later detained by the police for questioning. Up to press time, attempts to get an official report from the JCF’s Corporate Communication Unit, CCU, proved futile as we were told that they had not yet been given a report on the incident.
WHO WAS NICO ‘BOWZA’ SAMUELS?
Samuels was declared one of St. James’ Most Wanted in January of 2018, following his criminal exploits, including a triple murder, last year in the parish. A source, speaking to the Western Mirror on condition of anonymity, revealed that Samuels had close ties to the once active Ski-Mask Gang. The source further revealed that following a fallout, Samuels started operating independently, stringing together a number of criminal offences during that period.
Before Jerry Opener took on the unpredictable path of a comedian, he was a singer who went by the name ‘Mikey Jerry’ – believe it or not. Most avid music lovers from the rocksteady days of dancehall to the lovers’ rock frenzy that overtook it, may remember the vibrant musical aspirant, who had high hopes of disrupting that scene and making a name for himself among the greats from that era. Even after some 12 years trying to make a breakthrough, with nothing coming up roses for him, he wasn’t ready to give up on his dreams – dreams which had long been in the making from his days of attending the Albion All Age School in St. James.
“I loved singing man, you know, but, it never really worked out. Mi still try though,” Opener explains to the Western Mirror, with the slight rhythmic rocks of his body as he talks and a barely audible hum coming from him suggesting that even now at 52, he still made regular trips to that place in his mind where he was still very much involved with music, and perhaps, back then, had conquered it. But that wasn’t the case.
According to the Opener, things got hard, and his love for music became impractical. Whatever persistent hopes he clung to had to be hastily released as almost suddenly, Opener had to prepare to become a father.
Of his ambitions for music, he explained: “You know, when you’re down on the Western side of the island, it’s really hard fi mek a breakthrough in music because most of the big names deh up so, yuh nuh?” He was, of course, referring to Kingston, where he felt his fortunes might have been a little different had he pursued music there. “I think that a really one of di tings dem weh mek mi did affi just… divert.”
Where did that diversion lead him? To his trade, that of a builder. Even so, Opener couldn’t ignore that there was something still tugging at his love for the stage and for seeing people react to his works. It was then that he realized his true calling, which had been shining all those years through his music and his personality. He realized then that even more than a singer, he was an entertainer – the kind that would bring people the gift of laughter, and that’s when the man, who had been around for more than half-a-century, decided to reinvent himself.
“I got a chance to go away to work on a ship to help my family and even when I was away, I still practiced comedy. Even though I wasn’t hired as an entertainer, I took every chance I got to entertain the people I worked with,” Opener says of his time on the vessels. When he realized he could easily cause people to crack up, it didn’t take father of five to figure out what he wanted to be doing for the rest of his life, even as he pursues his trade. “When I came back, I started practicing comedy fulltime,” he said, and it was not in vain. Shortly after, by what Opener believes to be some divine act, he was called to be the opening act for a show for some prominent comedians at the Wexford Hotel and he didn’t hesitate.
He recalls that after doing that show, and hearing people praising how gifted he was, that was all the fuel Opener needed to intensify an already raging flame.
Now, Opener considers himself a budding comedian, and intends to reach the heights of household names such as Glen Campbell and Oliver Samuels. And even when he achieves those, which he confidently believes he will, his sights are set to go higher.
From a community like Rose Heights, which is often rocked by violence and one which some people find to be void of reasons to laugh, Opener plans to change all that. “If you can really make people laugh, they will come to love comedy just as much as they love Reggae music,” Opener expressed. Ultimately, this is just the beginning for a man who remains young at heart. And if there is anything to be taken away from Opener’s story, who revealed that his real name is Kenneth Stewart, it’s that life makes a way for those bold enough to follow their dreams. Need Jerry for a show? Give him a call at 510-9172.
With Jamaica’s non-participation in the FIFA World Cup in Russia later this year, and with this year being a non-Olympic year, the major event for most Jamaican athletes in 2018 will be the 2018 Commonwealth Games. As a result, the performances at this event can serve as an early predictor for the 2018 National Sportsman and Sportswoman Awards scheduled for formal announcement in early January 2019.
Barring some world-record-breaking performance later this year or an exceptional gold medal performance at the World Championships for a sport outside of athletics, the clinching 2018 Sportsman and Sportswoman of the year performances took place in Gold Coast, Australia between April 4-15.
Jamaica sent 110 athletes to the 2018 Commonwealth Games to participate in 17 different sporting disciplines. In the end, Jamaica produced a record haul of 27 medals, with one of the 27 coming in a para-sport event. Jamaica’s previous best medal hauls of 22 medals came at the 2006 edition in Melbourne, Australia and at the 2014 edition in Glasgow, Scotland. On both occasions, Jamaica captured exactly 10 gold, four silver and eight bronze medals. This time, Jamaica’s 27 medals included 7 gold, 9 silver and 11 bronze medals.
Though Jamaica never eclipsed the 10 gold medals it achieved in 2006 and 2014, nor captured any golds in the famed sprinting events as in previous years, the majority of Jamaica’s casual and dedicated sporting fans were pleased with the overall performance of the team. It was a far improvement on the fortunes which befell some of its athletes on the track and field side at the 2017 IAAF World Championships or the recently concluded 2018 IAAF World Indoor Championships.
Interestingly, the seven gold medals for Jamaica all came in track and field, with three of the seven coming on the field side and six of the seven coming in individual events. Fedrick Dacres, in the men’s discus; Danniel Thomas-Dodd, in the women’s shot put; and Kimberly Williams, in the women’s triple jump were Jamaica’s gold medallists on the field. On the track side, Ronald Levy in the men’s 110 m hurdles, Aisha Praught in the women’s 3000m steeplechase and Janieve Russell in the 400m hurdles were the other individual gold medallists. In the team event, the women’s 4 x 400m relay, Christine Day, Anastasia Le-Roy, Janieve Russell and Stephenie McPherson powered Jamaica home to the other gold medal.
The 2018 Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year winners should come from the previous paragraph. For the men, the frontrunners are Levy and Dacres. Levy, who joined a list Jamaican 110 metres hurdle Commonwealth gold medallists such as Maurice Wignall and Andrew Riley, could join Omar McLeod and give the 110m hurdlers back-to-back Sportsman of the Year Awards.
Levy’s main competitor for the award, Dacres, produced a Commonwealth Games record of 68.20m in the discus throw. Dacres, the national record holder in the event, is the slight favourite for the award. With solid performances on the Diamond League circuit later this year and possibly breaking his national record, which he thought he did this year, could give him the edge in the judge’s books.
On the women side, the fight for the award is between four worthy candidates, Thomas-Dodd, Williams, Praught and Russell. Williams, who repeated her 2014 gold medal performance, eclipsed her countrywoman, Shanieka Ricketts with her last jump of the event in a new personal best of 14.64 m. However, I doubt Williams will get the nod for the award. Jamaica’s female athletics is very competitive.
Praught, with arguably the shock Jamaican performance of the Commonwealth Games, beat the Kenyans as she emulated the performances of her American training partners Emma Coburn and Courtney Frerichs at the 2017 IAAF World Championships. Her gold medal was a pleasant surprise and a determined one after years of disappointment and bad luck. However, like Williams, I doubt Praught will win the title this year.
Thomas-Dodd, who may be the sentimental favourite for the 2018 Sportswoman award, captured Jamaica’s first medal in the women’s shot put at a major championship event. She narrowly missed a medal at the 2017 World Championships, however, at the Commonwealth Games she threw a new national record to beat four-time World Champion, three-time Commonwealth Games champion and two-time Olympic champion, Valerie Adams. She would be my pick for the Sportswoman of the Year, however, the judges might think otherwise.
Russell, like a Phoenix, has risen from the disappointing ashes of 2016 when she got injured prior to the Olympic Games in Rio. Russell, who is from the stable MVP stable of women 400m hurdlers left the Commonwealth Games with two gold medals, in the 400m hurdles and relay events. Unlike the other three women gold medallists, Russell was able to compete in two events. This should not be held against the other three nor her.
Of the four women, only Thomas-Dodd produced a national record at the games with her performance and when the calibre of athlete she beat for the gold medal is factored in, she should be the clear winner. Similarly, Dacres Commonwealth record performance along with his gold medal should give him the nod over Levy.
Predicting the future is a fickle task with several unforeseen loopholes ahead. Nevertheless, Dacres and Thomas-Dodd are my current picks for the 2018 Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year. However, come January, they may not be the eventual winners.
With the World Championships in swimming slated for December, Alia Atkinson might try to repeat her world-record equalling gold medal performance of 2014. Similarly, with a peeved McLeod, not in attendance at the Commonwealth Games, he could be extra motivated and might just produce a world record performance in the Diamond League this year. Keep your fingers crossed Dacres and Thomas-Dodd, eight months left in the year.
With the vaunted State of Public Emergency registering success in curtailing murder figures in St. James and the date for its suspension just two days away, (May 2) Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Homer Davis, says all 17 Councillors in the parish of St. James are clamouring for an extension.
He says, however, that he is fearful that the Parliamentary Opposition may not want to support an extension of the SOPE, as voiced by Opposition Leader, Dr. Peter Phillips last week. Dr. Phillips cited that they would not be willing to support an extension without the government presenting a long term crime plan.
“There is not a dissenting voice among the 17 elected representatives of the St. James Municipal Corporation. We are all in unison that this activity should be extended to bring the matter under more structured control so that more can be put in place to sustain the reduction in murders and shootings,”Mayor Davis explained.
He said the Government and the Opposition must see St. James as the parish which has been going through difficult times in recent years and the measures that were implemented under the State of Emergency are working and therefore, he is appealing to them to cooperate for an extension of the security measures.
“There has been a 70 percent reduction in murders in the parish and close to 60 percent reduction in shootings since January 18 when the measure was introduced. So, while the State of Public Emergency is not expected to be a long term measure, it should be given more time to afford the security forces to put a lid on the activities of violence producers in the parish. It is only fitting to ask that it be continued.”
Mayor Davis said St. James remains a parish that is too blessed to be stressed by those who are intent on making life uncomfortable and miserable.
He says for his part and that of the municipal corporation, work would continue to help to restore law and order in the parish and he was encouraging all well-thinking citizens to embrace this thrust.
The Mayor’s comments come on the heels of that of Winston Lawson, newly elected president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who while supporting the State of Public Emergency, cited the need for appropriate alternative measures and resources to be in place when the State of Public Emergency is lifted.
“We do not want it to end unless you have adequate alternatives in place. My thinking of adequate would include boots on the ground of our security forces. So if they are going to pull the state of emergency I don’t know if there can be a hybrid State of Emergency, so we would still have some boots of the soldiers to work along with the Police Force. I am saying whatever works, let us do it,” said Lawson.
What was supposed to be an ordinary school day for seven-year-old Jayanna and four-year-old Shanique Coote of Industry Cove, Green Island, Hanover, plunged into sheer brutality as their father, 61-year-old Paul Coote, went on a rampage, brutally killing the two girls and their mother, 39-year-old Adanique Cunningham, with whom it is alleged he had a tumultuous relationship.
Information gleaned by the Western Mirror indicate that about 7:00 a.m., Cunningham, who was eight months’ pregnant and lived with her mother in another section of Green Island, went to the home of Mr. Coote, with whom the girls lived, to get them ready for school. It is alleged that shortly after, both parents became embroiled in an argument. Whilst it is not clear what started it, reports suggest that in a fit of rage, Coote allegedly brandished a machete, which he used to inflict multiple chops to the woman, before turning the weapon on his two daughters.
Shanique Coote
According to residents, screams were heard coming from the wooden house where Coote, said to be a car washer and the chief breadwinner of the family, was observed with a machete which he used to chop Cunningham several times. He then turned on the girls – his daughters, who, upon seeing what was happening to their mother, tried in vain to escape the onslaught. Their butchered bodies were found lying in the yard.
The uniform of one of the children, a school bag, a pair of slippers strewn on the ground and a pool of blood in the yard, were sad reminders of the gruesome incident.
The police were alerted and Coote was accosted as he tried to flee the area with the machete. He was taken into protective custody as angry residents were purportedly waiting to effect vigilante justice. It is understood that reports have previously been filed against Coote.
Jayanna Coote
Coote and Cunningham were reportedly estranged and Cunningham had moved on with her life with another man for whom she was pregnant.
OUTRAGE
Cunningham’s mother, Merline Thompson, who was recently discharged from hospital, bemoaned the loss of her daughter, whom she said was her chief care-giver, describing her as kind and loving and an excellent mother to her children.
“I don’t know how I feel. I can’t express how I feel right now. I am sick and if I catch that man; I don’t know what but the strength would come back to me. Him kill mi daughter for no reason at all. She just come fi di children dem to get them ready and that’s it. I am down here waiting and I can’t see her come and I said, ‘how she stay up there so long?’ Is a call mi get seh di man chop up mi daughter and kill har,” Miss Thompson explained.
One resident commented, “All now I cannot believe say one man can wicked suh. How can you use a machete to inflict such nasty wounds on your own flesh and blood? Him have a very special place in hell reserved for him.”
In the meantime, Senator Ruel Reid, Minister of Education, Youth and Information, in condemning what he described as grisly killings, said the incident has left him shocked and deeply troubled.
Vaccianna Moseley, principal of the Green Island Primary, where Jayanna was a Grade Two student, said she was a bright and polite child and one of the top-performing students.
Shanique, who was a student of the Green Island Basic School was described by principal Andrea Myrie as a brilliant child with a zeal for learning.
Meanwhile, the Legal Aid Council of the Ministry of Justice has provided legal representation for Coote. Two senior Lawyers Tamkia Davis and Delford Morgan, have been assigned to provide legal representation for him.
Legal Aid services were provided a few hours after Mr. Coote’s arrest and one of the senior lawyers requested that he be removed from the general lock-up and placed in an area for his personal safety and security.
