(Jamaica Gleaner) Tension is mounting in West Portland among supporters of the two major political party’s following the stabbing death of a resident on Sunday, in the Charlestown community of Buff Bay.
The gruesome killing of 32- year- old tour guide and Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporter, Omar Hernandez, took place shortly after 2.30 p.m. yesterday, at a bar.
Hernandez was reportedly putting up posters of incumbent Member of Parliament Daryl Vaz, when an argument developed between him and a group of men.
The argument got heated, and some of the posters were reportedly taken from Hernandez and torn.
Residents report that during a struggle, a knife was used to stab Hernandez in the neck.
Joan Charles, the mother of the deceased said it was only on Saturday that she had warned her son to be careful, as it was approaching the elections.
Member of Parliament Daryl Vaz, who was on the scene, early appealed for calm among supporters of both political parties.
Vaz also made an appeal to JLP and PNP supporters to desist from any form of attacks, intimidation and threats as he vowed to end his campaign if violence continues.
Meanwhile, People’s National Party caretaker for West Portland, Rohan Quest has dismissed suggestions that the killing was politically motivated, and is calling for the police to conduct a thorough investigation.
