Little Dunn’s River closed after killing
Published:Thursday | September 1, 2022 | 12:12 AMCarl Gilchrist/Gleaner Writer
The police have closed Little Dunn’s River following Saturday night’s murder of 25-year-old Roshane Housen near the beach and are warning that more murders could occur unless the owners of the property take charge of it.
Housen, otherwise called Bredda, was shot dead some time after 7 p.m., with the police now theorising that the killing stemmed from a criminal network linked to Steer Town in the parish.
On Tuesday, the police swooped down on the location, removing stalls at the roadside, searching the premises, and cordoning off access to the beach, which, over the years, has become a very popular leisure spot for Jamaicans without the heavy admission fees levied at some beaches.
Acting commander for the St Ann Police Division, Superintendent David White, told The Gleaner on Wednesday evening that the facility would remain closed to facilitate investigations.
He, however, warned that the killing was linked to criminal activities that could spiral unless the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) and the municipal corporation stepped in.
“If they don’t, we are suspecting there is going to be murder. Take charge of it quickly before it costs more lives,” White said.
“So that’s what we, the police, are hoping. While we continue the investigation, the owner of the property needs to take charge and take charge of it now.”
In late 2013, there was widespread protest against the UDC after it closed the property, also known as Belmont, shutting out persons who have used the venue for years not only for recreation, but also for wellness purposes such as exercise.
The protest drew the attention of the Church, with the Ocho Rios Ministers’ Fraternal joining the protest and condemning the action of the Government-owned UDC.
At the time, the UDC said development plans were in place for the strip leading from there to Ocho Rios proper. This gave rise to speculation that locals would be barred and that access would be restricted to tourists only.
Residents argued that Little Dunn’s River was a suitable alternative to the pricier Dunn’s River Falls.