105 / 494
104
SSP Hewitt was given the names of 9 persons who were among a group of about
30 gunmen.
5.42.
Investigations and Intelligence suggested that the murderers were
members of two gangs from West Kingston, viz. the Rose Town gang and the
Stinger gang from Ramsey Road. The Rose Town gang was affiliated to the
Tivoli Gardens gang in West Kingston whereas the Stinger gang was aligned to
the Bibow gang in South St. Andrew.
5.43.
SSP Hewitt stated that he personally interviewed a member of the
Rose Town gang some months later and asked him why the gangs had
amalgamated on 24 May. He said –
“He told me that the reason was money. He said that they
received a sum of money from men in Tivoli Gardens to
defend “the President” (Coke).”
Specific Recoveries after 24 May
(a) 28 May
5.44.
Intelligence was received that men from Tivoli Gardens took a
cache of arms and ammunition and hid them at two premises in Chestnut Lane.
SSP Hewitt and Supt. Harper went to Chestnut Lane. SSP Hewitt’s witness
statement continued:
“I arrived about 1.30 p.m. I informed the Divisional
Commander of Kingston West. The focus of the search was
concentrated at #33 and #38 Chestnut Lane.”
5.45.
Ten illegal firearms, a quantity of assorted ammunition,
20 magazines, 13 explosives and a quantity of accessories, including police and
army vests and 2 civilian identification cards were found and seized. These
finds were reported to the Commissioner of Police and the items were handed
over to the Joint Operation Centre. No persons were detained or arrested.