$10,000 OR GUNSHOTS' - Extortionists driving fear with chilling message

A demand of $10,000 fortnightly by extortionists in Portmore, St Catherine, is said to be driving fear into business persons in the Portmore Lane community THE STAR understands.

Residents say the refusal to pay the 'fornightly 'tax' imposed on them has so far resulted in the death of two men who were shot and killed last Thursday and Friday, respectively.

Those killed are shopkeepers Basil "Shabba" Forbes, 30, and Delroy Shand, both businessmen of Portmore Lane.

It was revealed that sometime ago, a letter was sent to the various business persons in the community. The letter was said to have had the simple instructions of "10 grand or gunshots."

THE STAR was informed that some persons have even sold out their businesses since the letters were sent out.

Councillor of Westchester Division, Shane Dalling, said he was aware of the problem in the community. He told THE STAR that extortion is widespread as even a housing development is being targeted. He said the police needed to step up their presence in the area.

"Let me tell you something. The men live in the area and the police need to curfew Portmore Lane community," Dalling said.

Meanwhile, Operation Officer for St Catherine South division, Superintendent Clive Blair, said there has been a series of shootings and murders in the area. Blair said the police have been conducting operations in the community to quell the problem.

He said the police was not ruling out extortion as the reason for the murders, but said they were looking into other motives.

The St Catherine Major Investigation Task Force has started a probe in both murders.