Police in St James, Jamaica, have confirmed that they shot and killed one of the area’s most wanted men during an alleged confrontation at a guest house in Montego Bay.

The deceased man has been identified as Collin Walters, also known as ‘One O’Clock,’ from Red Square in Tucker, St James. Authorities believe Walters was a member of the 13th Street Gang.

According to reports, Walters was the suspected shooter in a gun attack that resulted in the death of Nigel Smith, 28, and the injury of a 55-year-old man at a guest house on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

Superintendent Eron Samuel, head of the St James Police, stated that the suspect fired at the police during an operation in the community. In response, the police returned fire and, upon investigation, found the man clutching a Browning single-action pistol with three live rounds remaining in the magazine, having suffered from gunshot wounds.

The suspect was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Samuel urged gang members to surrender, emphasizing the police’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of St James.

Damion Crawford asserts, “Politics is facing significant challenges!”

Opposition Senator Damion Crawford criticized the current state of politics in Jamaica after Member of Parliament (MP) Rhoda Crawford revealed that she has been targeted with hurtful rumors about her personal life since entering politics.

Rhoda addressed these rumors during an interview on June 5, 2024, gaining support from some social media users. She denied rumors about an intimate relationship with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and pregnancy.

Rhoda mentioned that these rumors started when she was part of the JLP’s young professional arm and intensified during the JLP leadership challenge.

She also mentioned that a PNP parliamentarian made a comment about her appearance during the Rwandan president’s visit in April 2022, sparking further rumors. She said bloggers from the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) and others have been promoting these rumors.

Jamaican police are equipped with a curriculum for empowering anti-gang training.

On June 5, 2024, the United States and Jamaican justice officials provided the National Police College of Jamaica with an Advanced Counter Gang Course curriculum.

The curriculum aims to reduce gang crime in Jamaica and will help students develop the skills to combat organized crime.

This curriculum, created by experts from the US and Jamaica, will guide anti-gang training courses and activities that began in 2023.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey, in charge of the crime portfolio, emphasized the need to equip law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools to combat criminal networks.

He expressed hope for ongoing transformation in gang investigation to create a safer Jamaica, pointing out a drop in gang-related murders from over 80% to around 60%.

DCP Bailey, who will retire in three months, highlighted his involvement in the JCF’s significant anti-gang efforts in recent years.

The course results from collaboration between the US State Department, the JCF, the National Police College, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The course aims to enhance the country’s ability to carry out large-scale investigations through a joint multi-agency approach.

The next phase of the training will begin in November.