Gang war threatens Half-Way Tree

KINGSTON, Jamaica—A massive gang war is brewing in Half-Way Tree, St Andrew, and many people are unaware of what is unfolding under their noses. Information has surfaced that the Park Lane and Ambrook Lane gangs, which operate an extortion racket in the capital, have reportedly crossed paths in collecting their money. The extortion fees, it is understood, are requested from businesses, vendors and transport operators.

Both gangs have their respective areas where they collect their 'protection' money. However, in recent weeks, members of the Ambrook Lane gang have made it clear they will venture into areas controlled by their Park Lane counterparts. Reports reaching Observer Online indicated that last week a member of the Ambrook Lane clique visited Mandela Park and declared they would start collecting extortion fees in areas controlled by the other gang.

This has reportedly not gone well with the members of the Park Lane Gang, who have decided to defend their territory. Battlelines have been drawn, but except for mostly vendors and a few others, many who traverse the business district are ignorant of what is unfolding. “People need to start walk with dem yeye inna di back a dem head cause anything can buss off any time now,” one vendor told Observer Online.

“Police obviously know too, cause we see more of them ‘bout di place.” One loader man who says he usually “hangs” around the area busy hub asserted that despite the gang members knowing each other, there has never been a war where innocent people were not caught in the crossfire. “If yuh notice certain man weh use to deh pon certain corners no deh deh too much or fi too long,” he disclosed. Many people told Observer Online they were unaware of an impending war in the area.

Some acknowledged what was happening but were tight-lipped, and others were shocked to hear about the extortion racket. Business operators who were approached said they could not comment on the matter. Head of the St Andrew Central Police Division, Senior Superintendent Mark Harris, confirmed the police are aware of the situation.

“We got some wind about it, and we have some people in custody, so we are monitoring the situation,” SSP Harris said.