Authorities are continuing their inquiry into a shooting that took place on Sunday morning in the Five Corner area of Linden, but those who witnessed the incident are questioning the official version presented by law enforcement.
Initial reports from the police indicated that five people suffered gunshot and chop wounds following a violent clash between two factions at the Five Corner Junction in Mackenzie. According to the authorities, at least three individuals wielded firearms and fired multiple shots during the altercation. However, those who were present at the scene describe a different sequence of events, implying that the shooting was connected to a series of escalating occurrences, which included a prior confrontation involving a police officer. Eyewit-nesses claimed that the chain of events began when one car collided with another at the Five Corner intersection. Following a brief exchange of words, the driver of the damaged vehicle reportedly became furious and confronted the other driver. The situation supposedly escalated further when the driver of the affected car slapped and physically assaulted a police officer already present at the scene.
According to witnesses, the scenario spiraled out of control as the police officer was pushed and struck by the angry driver. Shortly thereafter, shots were fired. Some witnesses, who chose to remain anonymous, stated that the police’s account of the event might not be fully accurate. One eyewitness, who preferred to speak on the condition of anonymity, stated, “The police were already there when the gunfire erupted. This doesn’t align with the story they’re providing.” When asked about the presence of an officer who might have been harmed during the altercation, the Commander of the local station replied, “That was a separate incident.” However, the witness remained firm, asserting, “I was there, bro.”
Surge of violence
In light of the recent events, Opposition Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira expressed deep concern regarding the surge of violence in Linden. In a statement to SN, Figueira denounced the shooting, labeling it as “concerning” and “dangerous.” He remarked, “ The recent shooting at Five Corner in Linden, allegedly involving gang members opening fire on police, in a public space with many people nearby and surrounding businesses, is cause for serious concern.” Figueira underscored the growing presence of gangs and the alarming ease with which they obtain firearms. “ The emergence of gangs in Linden and the seemingly easy access to lethal weapons, and the willingness of those possessing such weapons, allegedly to fire on police in a populated area, is alarming.”
The MP emphasized the necessity for law enforcement to undertake decisive measures in reaction to such occurrences, stating, “ Respect for the law and law enforcement officers must go hand in hand. The police must ensure every action is taken to ensure charges are made and a strong message against such acts is sent to deter any such incidents in the future.”
Figueira also called for enhanced collaboration between law enforcement and the local populace, encouraging the police to strive harder to build trust and respect. “Equally, the police must do more to establish a much better working relationship with the communities in the township and region to foster trust and respect for its efforts to fight and prevent crimes of all sorts,” he contended.
In addition to his rising fears about crime, Figueira addressed the problem of youth unemployment in Linden. He pointed out that a significant number of young individuals in the area are well-educated yet struggle to find jobs.
“Linden has a high unemployment rate, especially among its youth, youths who are smart, many with CXC subjects, technical certificates and tertiary educated, but cannot find jobs.,” he noted. “Many of these youths are very talented in sports and the arts, but there are no facilities to nurture and improve their skills and talents; hence, idleness may lead to unlawful acts.”
Figueira also condemned the sluggish pace of progress in local sports infrastructure, which he believes could provide young people with a constructive outlet for their energy and talent. “The Mackenzie Sports Club, once a mecca for hosting multiple sports disciplines and cultural activities, is still under seemingly endless construction and upgrades, four budgets and billions of dollars later, with no end in sight,” he stated. “The Bayrock facilities, which saw hundreds of athletes daily since 2018, are still incomplete, preventing athletes from enjoying a completed and well-equipped facility after years of slow construction which is still ongoing.”
The MP further highlighted the lack of advancement in community sports initiatives, including the Minister of Sports’ touted flagship project.
None of the community grounds enhancement the Minister of Sports boasts of are present and ready for play in any of Linden’s eight constituencies, he observed.