By Kimone Witter
A 48-hour curfew has been imposed in sections of Grants Pen, in the St. Andrew North Police Division.
This follows the deaths of four men during attacks by gunmen on the weekend.
The curfew began at 6 a.m. Wednesday, and will remain in effect until Friday, September 29.
The boundaries of the curfew are: NORTH: along Markland Drive, from the intersection with Barbican Road in the vicinity of Andrews Lane;
EAST: along Barbican Road from the intersection with Markland Drive to the intersection with Grants Pen Road;
SOUTH: along Grants Pen Road from the intersection with Barbican Road to the intersection with Shortwood Road;
WEST: along Shortwood Road from the intersection with Grants Pen Road to the intersection with Markland Drive.
During the hours of the curfew, all residents within its boundaries are required to remain within their premises, unless otherwise authorised by the ground commander.
Businesses curtailed
Business activities in Grants Pen have been negatively affected by the recent flare up of violence in the community.
Some business owners have reduced their operating hours while others have temporarily closed their establishments out of fear for their safety.
During a visit to the community on Tuesday, one of the residents, who did not wish to disclose his name, explained that business hours have been greatly curtailed due to the tension in the area.
He bemoaned that "15 years straight [of] unbroken peace" in the community have been destroyed with the killing of "four innocent people".
Another resident said entertainment activities in the community have also been significantly curtailed due to the upsurge in violence. While the police continue to patrol the area heavily, he said, the residents remain fearful.
He also noted that it could be deadly for residents to leave their community and visit another due to the violence.
