ST JAMES, Jamaica — Tensions ran high in the usually quiet community of Orange as residents staged a Boxing Day protest to voice their outrage over the deaths of three men during a police operation earlier this week.
The men, identified as Alex Medley, Rojay Duncan, and another known only as Max, lost their lives in what police described as an armed confrontation. According to authorities, the operation was part of an ongoing effort to curb rising violence in St. James, including recent incidents linked to Rose Heights and the high-profile killing of social media influencer Marlon Samuels, known as “41 Busshead.”
Residents, however, dispute the police version of events, claiming that the men were unarmed and had complied with instructions before being fatally shot. The alleged incident has sparked a wave of grief and anger, with many in the community accusing law enforcement of excessive force.
On Thursday, protesters blocked key sections of the Orange main road with debris and makeshift barriers, halting traffic in the area for hours. “We want answers!” one protester shouted. “This cannot keep happening. Innocent lives are being taken, and no one is being held accountable.”
Community leaders are calling for an independent investigation into the killings, citing a growing distrust between residents and law enforcement in the area. “This is not just about these three men,” one leader stated. “This is about the deep divide between the people and those who are supposed to protect and serve us.”
As the situation unfolds, calls for justice are growing louder, reflecting the community’s determination to bring attention to what they see as a troubling pattern of police actions. Whether this protest will lead to meaningful change remains to be seen, but for now, the residents of Orange are united in their demand for answers.
