Mourners denied last look at ‘Termite’

Well-wishers and supporters of reputed gangster Sheldon 'Termite' Walters were left disappointed after they were unable to view the remains of the alleged gangster at his graveside yesterday.

A strong contingent of police from the St Catherine North and South divisions, Area 5 headquarters, and the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch, along with members of the Jamaica Defence Force converged on the family plot in Cherry district, Kitson Town where Walters was interred.

"Alright police, unnu can gwan now, unnu do unnu job already. A our time now," said one mourner. But Superintendent Leighton Gray, operations officer for Area 5, explained that the police's presence was necessary, based on the "notoriety of the deceased man."

Walters was killed by police officers on April 19, in Top Banks in the parish.

"He was the leader for the Klansman gang up to the time of his death and his followers have decided that they want to have a gun salute and those things. We are here to ensure the safety and security of this event and we are using this opportunity to apprehend some of these persons who are wanted or persons of interest," Gray told the news team.

But mourners were disappointed that they were not able to view the body of Walters, before he was placed in the neatly designed orange and white tomb.

One of Walters' siblings lamented that the family was not able to keep the thanksgiving service they wanted, based on the instructions of the police.

"It is depressing because up to this morning the police told us that we could view the body at the burial ground and when we got there, is a different thing. His [Walters'] sons couldn't even get fi say goodbye properly. We woulda at least expect say we get fi see him. He's still human," she said, adding that the funeral was restricted to only a hour. She shared that her childhood was fun with Walters, enjoying summer holidays, visiting their grandparents and river trips.

"We never grow apart, we were close, we all have WhatsApp groups. It is just a complete shock, it's shocking that this happen, all now I don't believe," she shared with THE STAR. "The man just married, literally just married. Is not like he was on a wanted list or anything."