The fearful residents huddled in tight groups as they discussed the brutal murders of eight of their neighbours, among them 11-year-old Alexifia Anderson.

Shortly after 1:00 yesterday afternoon, police identified the other dead persons as Alexifia’s mother Hopelin Dennis, 43; her sister Nekfifa Anderson, 23; and her brother Joel Anderson.

The others, who were killed on separate premises, were identified as Eldon Heron, 60; his son, Eldon Heron Jnr, 38; Gary Stewart, 22; and Orrett Miller, 26. Another male was also hospitalised in serious condition for gunshot wounds.

The police reported that two of the gunmen said to be involved in the early morning massacre were killed in a shoot-out. Police identified them as Jerome Williams, and a man known only as ‘Kevin’ or ‘Bilbo’, who they said were members of the ‘Clansman’ gang, which operates in Spanish Town.

Residents of Tredegar Park said about 20 armed men, dressed in dark-coloured clothing, invaded sections of the community known as Monkey Town and Backbush where they opened fire on several homes, then set fire to some about 1:00 am.

“Is pure head shot them give everybody in mi family. Mi go in there go see Joey on the ground; him get one of the shots in him back, and look like he was trying to call someone on his phone,” said a man who identified himself as Hopelin Dennis’ son.

“Nekfifa get shot on the bed between the baby them. And me go in there go see my mother crawling under the bed. She never dead yet; she get shot somewhere ‘roun here,” the man added, pointing to the back of his head.

“It look like the baby (Alexifia) jump up when she hear the shot them, and the bwoy them just put it on her same time,” he added, tears welling up in his eyes.

The residents said the thugs then went to another premises where others were shot, before moving on to other houses where they sprayed bullets indiscriminately.

Two men luckily escaped with their lives after the hoodlums barged into their premises and stole several electrical appliances before setting the building on fire.

“If we never run through the back you would come see us lay down in there,” said one of the men, recounting his ordeal.

Investigators were yesterday seeking five men, who they identified only by their aliases: ‘Ears man’, ‘Deo’, ‘Fire Tail’, ‘Zeeks’, and ‘Isley Williams’, in relation to the massacre, and said they would also like to speak with Clansman members Howard Jackson, otherwise called ‘Thirty’; Novado Hodges; Simeon Elwig; Joel Jennings; and Glenton Anderson, otherwise called ‘Brown’.

They are also asking Michael Maragh, otherwise called ‘Coolie Mickey’; Rohan Hope, otherwise called ‘Placka’; Everton Minott, otherwise called ‘Rado’; and Marvin Baker, otherwise called ‘Chiney’, to report to the Spanish Town Police Station.

Yesterday, retired senior superintendent Reneto Adams, who visited the murder scene, was begged by fearful residents to assist them in ridding the area of criminals.

Adams said he was there to offer condolences to the affected families, and urged the police not to relent until the perpetrators are killed.

“I heard that two (gunmen) have been killed; they had their day in court,” said Adams. “I hope the other three have their days in court; if you want me to be more explicit, have them found and killed,” he said.

They were recently given the awards under the Sagicor Life Jamaica corporate scholarship programme.
The awardees were selected from 70 applicants, of which 50 were at the primary and 23 at the secondary level. Recipients of these awards must attain an average of A to qualify, and maintain a B plus average for the scholarship to continue.
President and CEO of Sagicor Life Jamaica Richard Byles, stated that the awards have four main objectives; they fulfill some of the company’s corporate responsibility, assist staff, nurture high performers, and reward the children who perform well.”

“In this society where we are bombarded with all sorts of negative goals and mores, to reinforce the goal and the objective of studying and achieving is most noteworthy,” he stated “I want the awardees to leave with the knowledge and certainty that when they perform, they will be rewarded in life.”

The Sagicorian award for all round sustained excellence went to Dana Virtue, a graduate of the Immaculate Conception High School. In accepting the award, Dana explained her appreciation for the corporate gesture, and feels her hard work is paying off.
“It’s very exciting, High school was very challenging. I tried my best, studied very hard, did my best. And I am very grateful to the company for helping out.”

Jada-Rae Taffe of Mona preparatory and Najean Poyser of the Hosanna Preparatory School were this year’s first time awardees at the primary level. Gabrielle Chin and Mickhail Campbell of Campion College were awarded for sustained excellence at the secondary level.

The scholarship programme is funded through staff contributions ranging from 250 dollars to five thousand dollars per month, which is then matched by the company.

Sagicor Life Jamaica Limited is the foremost life insurance company in the island. Since its inception, Sagicor Life has gained a solid reputation as an innovator in the Caribbean life insurance industry. The company continues to be the market leader among local life insurance companies.

President & CEO of Sagicor Life Jamaica Richard Byles, and Her Excellency The Most Honorable Lady Allen congratulate Dana Virtue for Excellence, in the presence of Sister Terry Ann Virtue (far right), and Lorna Dexter (centre),God-mother of Dana. The award was presented at the Sagicor annual Corporate Scholarship Awards Ceremony 2010, held at the Sagicor Life Jamaica auditorium on Thursday August 5, 2010.

President & CEO of Sagicor Life Jamaica Richard Byles, and Her Excellency the Most Honorable Lady Allen seen here with Awardees Dana Virtue (Second from left), Jada-Rae Taffe (third from left), and Mickhail Campbell (far right) at the Sagicor annual Corporate Scholarship Awards Ceremony 2010, held at the Sagicor Life Jamaica auditorium on Thursday August 5, 2010.

Stevie Face recently released a compelling, emotionally touching video for his “Computer” Paul Henton produced hit single “In the living years,” which was originally done by the American group Mike and the Mechanics. This lead off track from the album “Tell it like it is” has been creating waves internationally and has topped several charts as well as contributed to Stevie being voted best reggae singer for 2009 in the UK.

The video was premiered in the USA on Tempo as well as on BET Jazz, where it gained a coveted rotation spot (which is very rare for a locally produced video) and is running concurrently on 24 Cable Channels across the Caribbean, East and West Africa, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Not withstanding, the video was also simultaneously premiered locally on the high profile CVM show Onstage programme last week, and is already in heavy rotation on the top local video stations including RETV, Hype TV, Suzy Q’s Video Alley, and several others islandwide.

Shot on locations in Yallahs, St Thomas and Long Mountain Kingston, this video was directed by Director Asha from Fareye Films and depicts a strained relationship between a father and son and the impending sudden loss of the father, which drives home the finality and the true heartfelt loss to the son who now reflects on the memories of good and bad times, and the regrets of not taking the time to say the things that were left unsaid. Stevie Face has truly driven home this video, making the song come alive in a riveting true to life performance. Stevie pointed out that a video will be in the making shortly for the Donovan Germain / Penthouse Records produced song “ Thank you for loving me” and promises to deliver something special for the ladies on that one.

The management and staff of New Image Promotions extends our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family, remaining Voicemail members and friends of the late Oneil Edwards R.I.P.

The group Voicemail... Oniel Edwards (center)

Lady Mystery mourns the passing of Oniel Edwards who succumbed to his injuries  he sustained when he was shot five times over two weeks ago, and send my condolences to  his family, friends, the popular dancehall group Voicemail of which he was a member and his many fans across the globe. His passing is a great loss to the entertainment fraternity and he will be sadly missed.

Oniel Edwards was shot five times, once in the head, during an attack over two weeks ago. The main suspect in the shooting was found dead in the Chancery Hall community on Tuesday, May 11. Police said the unidentified man managed to escape a dragnet set up to nab him the previous day.

Edwards’ cellular phone was found in the dead man’s possession. The body was clad in green short pants, white T-shirt and blue slippers and was found on Lady Hamilton Close with several gunshot wounds.

A second suspect was picked up by the Manchester Police in that parish on the following night and is being transported to Kingston where he will be questioned by senior homicide investigators.

Edwards was attacked and shot several times as he attempted to enter his home at Belloc Avenue in the middle class community of Duhaney Park on May 10th. He had been listed as critical even though he was said to be breathing on his own.