MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A strict nightly curfew is now in effect across multiple communities in Manchester, following a surge in violence, including the tragic death of 30-year-old Rushaine Weltshire. Weltshire was fatally shot, and his girlfriend injured during an attempted robbery at a bar in Inverness district, Knockpatrick, on Thursday.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force announced that the curfew, which began on Friday evening at 6:00 pm, will restrict movement across hotspots, including Greenvale, and communities within the “L belt” stretching from Albion to Porus, covering Newhall, Comfort, Broadleaf, and May Day. The curfew will remain active until 6:00 am on Monday, as law enforcement aims to curb potential retaliatory violence and protect community safety.
This precautionary measure comes amid an alarming increase in violent crimes throughout the parish. Official statistics reveal 42 murders in Manchester as of October 20, marking a nearly 17 percent rise compared to the same period last year. In addition to the uptick in homicides, there has been a 9 percent increase in reported shootings, with a total of 36 incidents this year.
Police are calling on residents to cooperate during the curfew as investigations continue.
