Fleet Street killing sparks march
Residents want peace and reconciliation
MOVED TO action by last week’s horrific murder of 11-year-old Taysha ‘Angel’ Hughes, Fleet Street residents in Kingston staged a peace march yesterday in hope of spurring critical action on the path of the authorities in cauterising an ongoing turf war, which according to some, has the potential to explode.
“We are marching in peace, first of all, for justice. The blood of little Taysha is crying out for justice. We are hoping this march will bring attention to the situation, and we as a people are tired of the violence,” said march organiser, Bishop Brian Cameron of the Spiritual Revivalist Council of Churches.
Questioned if this was just yet another one-day event soon to be forgotten, several residents responded that it was just the start of a proactive approach to community involvement in protecting the children.
“This is not a nine-day wonder, we are going to keep this up until we are heard. Angel’s murder, although horrific, will stand for something,” one resident, who gave her name only as Turreen, said.
PROTEST ROUTE
The march began at the very spot where Taysha was brutally gunned down minutes after 10 Thursday night on Fleet Street, and took the placard-bearing protesters through several neighbouring streets, culminating at the Secret Gardens monument, dedicated to children who have lost their lives in violent circumstances.
Cameron said that his fear is that children
who leave home for school will now be easy prey for marauding gunmen.
“It is a legitimate concern for many parents. They are afraid that if something is not done urgently, it’s the little ones, innocent as they are, who are going to be
targeted. Taysha had nothing to do with violence and turf war, yet she is dead because of the evil men among us,” he said.
THE CHAIR Taysha Hughes would have last sat on and the desk she last used Thursday has been transformed into a temporary memorial, with flowers and written notes from her friends.
Her best friend told The Gleaner that Taysha’s death has left an empty space in her heart. She said it was unbelievable news when she first heard it.
“I was shocked at first. I am still wondering if the news is true, because Angel, as Taysha was called, was such a nice girl. She was into sports and was fun-loving,” she said.
Written notes were taped on to the wall directly behind Taysha’s empty chair and even more sentimental messages were scribbled on the blackboard. One read: “Return if possible, peace and love – Class 6F misses you, Angel.”
Taysha was killed last Friday when a group of men wearing masks attacked men in the Fleet Street area of central Kingston. One of the gunmen was also killed in the attack and three others injured as a gang feud over turf has erupted.