Christians march for hope in Lauriston

Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

Scores of people from the Christian community marched through sections of Lauriston, St Catherine, yesterday to give hope to residents crippled by fear.

The group started at the Shiloh Apostolic Church.

The black-clad group, headed by the Reverend Al Miller, braved the sun as they walked from the Shiloh Apostolic Church to Rio Cobre Drive and then to the scene where two women were beheaded last month.

Living in fear

During the journey, the team stopped to converse and pray with many persons at their gates.

"We need to cut out the donmanship and political garrisons. Persons are living in fear; it is very clear. Some have to run away," Miller said. "We will not sit and let next year catch us this way. We are going to fight against the monster of crime."

Residents told The Gleaner that a sense of fear has remained in the community since the gruesome killings.

"In recent times, I cannot sleep a full night. The sound of gunshots still rings in my ears," lamented Monifa Chang. "I am still seeing images of the women."

The march was conducted under the watchful eyes of the police and the military.

It ended with a praise and worship session along Bonanza Drive in the community.

On July 20, 40-year-old Charmaine Rattray and her 19-year-old daughter, Joeith Lynch, were beheaded at their home on Berry Drive in the community.

The police have since taken four men into custody in connection with the murders.