The recent outbreak of violence in Spanish Town St. Catherine over the past 12 hours has resulted in the reported deaths of at least 11 persons including an 8-year-old girl. The child identified as Lascelles Flint was among three persons shot and killed during a drive-by shooting along Corletts Avenue about 9:30 last night.
According to Gleaner/Power 106 St. Catherine correspondent, Rasbert Turner, there was also a shootout between the police and gunmen along March Pen Road shortly after 10 a.m. this morning.
Turner is also getting unconfirmed reports that "... this morning about 2:30 a.m. persons were shot and burned in the Corletts Avenue area off the March Pen Road community."
Over 26 killed in standoff to capture Christopher 'Dudus' Coke for extradition
The Jamaica Security Forces have provided a report on the number of casualties arising from the ongoing battle between criminal elements in Tivoli Gardens and Denham Town since yesterday.
The police say seven members of the security forces have been injured and one killed. They also say 26 civilians have been killed and 25 injured.
The police say those killed were mainly males whose bodies were recovered from areas close to barricades, building entrances and gullies running through Tivoli Gardens.
In addition to injuries and fatalities, 211 people including six women have been detained.
The Security Forces are also reporting seizures of firearms, ammunition, binoculars, army fatigues and ballistic vests. They say the operations which include building searches will continue and the public will be informed of the outcome.
Jamaica's opposition party condemn threats against media house
Jamaica's Opposition party, the People's National Party, has condemned the threat which was made on the RJR group yesterday.
The party says any threat to the countrys media houses or journalists is an assault on democracy and our right to freedom of speech.
Opposition Spokesperson on Information, Lisa Hanna says members of the press must at all times be permitted to do their jobs without fear and intimidation.
She says the freedom given to media practitioners over the years to present accurate and timely information on all matters including Governance, has helped to strengthen the democratic processes.
Ms Hanna says this freedom and access have allowed the citizenry channels for their voices to be heard and have information readily available to them.
Ms. Hanna says the crisis in the country underscores the need for journalists to be able to operate without fear.
Jamaica's riot squad headquarters under attack
The Jamaica Constabulary Force Mobile Reserve Unit, located at Up Park Camp is under heavy gunfire from heavily armed men.
Members of the Police High Command are now locked in a meeting to map out a response to a flare up of gunfire in sections of the Corporate Area.
Ombudsman To Visit Tivoli For Independent Assessment
Prime Minister Bruce Golding has instructed the Public Defender, Mr. Earle Witter and Political Ombudsman, Dr. Hero Blair, to visit Tivoli Gardens today to conduct an independent assessment of the operations being carried out by the Security Forces.
They have been instructed to ascertain the precise number of persons who have been killed or injured.
The Prime Minister has directed the Security Forces to make the necessary arrangements to facilitate this visit and to provide the necessary security to the Public Defender, the Political Ombudsman and those who accompany them.
The Red Cross will also provide support including ambulances to transport those who have been injured or are otherwise in need of medical attention
-- Edited by jubalson on Tuesday 25th of May 2010 01:14:15 PM