Mountain View rivals kick-start 2018 with peace, unity - Some residents uncertain what to think
Published:Tuesday | January 2, 2018 | 12:00 AMJason Cross
Warring factions in Mountain View, St Andrew, that had residents cowering in fear last month are being congratulated by commander of the East Kingston police, Deputy Superintendent Robert Walker for maintaining calm in the area and for ringing in the New Year peacefully.
Walker gave The Gleaner an update yesterday on the progress of the symbolic truce formed by opposing gangsters from Jacques Road and Goodwich Lane just last week.
He said that elements from both sides, who residents claim were once friends, have begun to reunite.
"Things have been going very good. We did our own little police walk-through on Sunday in the day. [Tuesday night,] the East Kingston Extravaganza went on. That was a multiactivity event, with football and netball in the day, and then we finished with a party. And the same players [from the opposing sides], who shook hands recently, were there. The new year has started positively. We are taking them (the gangsters) at their word because so far, it is holding up. We have to give them [props for that]," Walker said.
When The Gleaner visited the community yesterday evening, adults and children were out on the streets. Some of the children were even riding bicycles and engaging in other forms of play.
STILL CAUTIOUS
However, despite being pleased that things have quieted down since a peace settlement was reached last week, residents say they still have to go about their daily lives with caution.
"Things much, much better," one woman said.
Another woman said that loud firearm explosions in the area seemed to have died down, but there was still a level of distrust on both sides.
"No shot nah fire again, but the place tense. We a hold our corner, and who up suh a hold fi dem own. Dem don't trust dem one another because is not the first peace cry. We hope for more prosperity because last year did bloody," she said.
One shopkeeper, who was busy tending to his customers, including children, was delighted that they could safely come out to purchase goods.
"So far, it calm down and everything gone back to normal. Nuh shot nah fire, and everybody a come a shop," the shopkeeper said.