St Catherine clergy declares war on crime

Religious leaders in St Catherine declared war on crime yesterday and vowed to visit the troubled St John's Road area as prayer warriors as they believe that crime and wickedness have taken over.

"Wherever the killings are taking place, they have to stop. The churches are now going all out to take back Jamaica from criminals and gangs," said Bishop Rowan Edwards.

He was speaking following a procession by some church leaders in Spanish Town on Thursday. The group declared war against murder, scamming and other crimes plaguing the society.

"There were 1,463 murders last year and we are working and praying that there will be a reduction this year," Pastor Paul Mason said. "I personally am willing to die for this cause. We are fighting more a physical war therefore as church leaders we stand resolute."

Meanwhile, the St Catherine North police said that a soldier is among three men held in connection with the seizure of two illegal guns along St John's Road. One of the men is under police guard as he is being treated for gunshot injuries. Reports are that about 5:15 a.m. on Thursday, police and military personnel went on operations at 31 St John's Road when a group of gunmen fired shots at them. The security forces returned the fire.Three men were later held and the guns seized.

The police have continued to maintain a presence in the volatile community following two murders earlier this week.