Lauriston trying to heal

• Church works with residents to restore normality

Anastasia Cunningham, Senior Gleaner Writer

ON SUNDAY, pastors from numerous churches sought to ease the intense fear that has gripped residents of Lauriston in Spanish Town, St Catherine following the beheading of three of its residents two weeks ago, with a mass march, prayer vigil and open church service in the community.

Bishop George Carter of the New Life Church of God in the community said the emotions flowed during the mass service, as residents tried desperately to heal a wound that many feel will be fresh for quite a while.

The church leaders from Spanish Town and other areas came out to give comfort to the grieving community, which Carter believes is a step in the right direction.

"They are trying to cope, but you can still see the fear in the community, because up to this morning people were still moving out," the pastor said.

"Some people have been seeking to find somewhere to rent for a month or two, just until the tension dies down."

When The Gleaner visited the community on Tuesday, there was a police patrol in the area as children played 'water war', laughing and dousing each other to cool down the heat of the hot summer day. Adults lounged around in chatter, as everyone tried to return normality to their community.

Plunged into despair

Lauriston was plunged into despair during the week of July 18 when three of its residents were beheaded days apart - 19-year-old Scott Thomas, aka Scottie; minister of religion 40-year-old Charmaine Rattray and her 19-year-old daughter, Joeith Lynch.

Rattray and Lynch were members of New Life Church of God. Rattray was a minister, a member of the adult choir and operated the church's canteen. Lynch was a member of the youth choir and an aspiring lawyer.

Rattray's head was found floating in the Rio Cobre on Thursday, July 21, while Lynch's head was found in the community on Saturday. Thomas' head is yet to be located.

The autopsy on Rattray and Lynch have been completed and the family are now finalising plans for the funeral, which is set for Saturday, August 13, starting at 10 a.m. at the New Life Church of God.

anastasia.cunningham@gleanerjm.com