André Williams and Rasbert Turner, STAR Writers
The authorities appears tight-lipped regarding questions surrounding reports or a probe into an alleged gun salute by members of the security forces and gunmen at a dance held in Linstead, St Catherine recently.
THE STAR understands that more than 100 rounds were fired off into the air between 6 a.m.and 7:30 a.m. at the dance held in district called Green Hill in Linstead.
An amateur video on social media, captured scenes from the dance and the sound of gunfire could be heard resonating the morning skies during performances by some top entertainers who were in attendance.
Additionally, our news team gathered that a member of the Jamaica Defence Force is allegedly the promoter of the event which was in its second staging.
A female patron told THE STAR: "Boi mi stand up ina di dance and couldn't believe, mi get frass but a pure gunshot di man dem a fire left right and centre. Mi get fi understand say the promoter is a member of the JDF and as a result of dat it come in like a range dem did deh. Shot fire so til you couldn't hear the music at one point".
Our news team understands that the community in which the dance was held is usually prone to gun violence that includes murder, shooting and other violent crimes.
THE STAR understands also, that while some persons enjoyed the frolicking, there were others who held reservations as to the level of lawlessness that was allowed to take place.
Popular entertainer
A male patron told THE STAR that the gunfire began after a popular entertainer took the stage. "Him alone mek live rounds beat. From him touch the stage til him come off, the man dem and di soldier dem beat off. Every year dem shell it enuh a di second time this it a keep," the patron revealed.
Another patron said: "Bwoy mi enjoy the party but when the shot dem start beat mi tink a war a gwaan ina di dance so mi jus itch under a tree di whole time ... daylight and nuh police nuh run in".
Our news team checked with two police stations closest to where the dance was held to see if concerning residents made a report.
When THE STAR contacted the Bog Walk police, a sergeant quickly provided a contact number and advised us to speak with the Linstead police on the matter.
However, the Linstead police declined to comment over the telephone insisting that if our news team needed a response from the officer in charge, the reporter would have to come in person.
Meanwhile, in recent weeks there have been double and triple killings in separate incidents in and around the Bog Walk and Linstead communities.
The police are still investigating these fatal incidents.
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