Gully Creeper Inventor Shot Dead

**diabolical_Tanya** · 12-30-2008, 06:16 PM

Re: Gully Creeper Inventor Shot Dead

William "Willie Haggart" Augustus Moore (1990's-2001)

The infamous leader of a posse disguised as a dance crew calling themselves the Black Roses, Willie Haggart controlled an estimated 30% of all illegal drugs flowing through the Caribbean. Renown throughout the islands for their innovative dance moves and connections to the top Reggae artists around, Willie Haggart was a beloved and feared individual.

Haggart's reign as a don ended in a hail of bullets outside of a grocery store he owned in the Lincoln Crest section of Kingston. Riddled with 19 bullets from a trio of gunmen dressed as policemen, neither Haggart nor the two bodyguards slain with him made a move to defend themselves from the fate handed them on April 18, 2001.

The murder of Willie Haggart launched an unprecedented rash of shootings which have been the topic of various political bigwigs concerned with the perception of Jamaica in the eyes of tourists. William Moore was buried in a lavish show of extravagance which saw his body delivered to and from the ceremony in a Mercedes hearse. His body lay in a specially designed casket adorned with a water fall costing an estimated $20,000. Several prominent politicians as well as the cream of the dancehall crop attended the social event of the year in the Jamaican underworld

**mountaingal** · 12-30-2008, 06:16 PM

Re: Gully Creeper Inventor Shot Dead

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bizi_Q</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MGee</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> so it look like his death is unrelated to him being a dancer.

</div></div>
so u question answered now? </div></div>

lol, that one is answered, yes. but like i said, the same source fi dat answer raise more questions. why dem kill ICE now as opposed to long time ago? and seeing that he's the 3rd murdered from the same crew, what does it mean? is it really that BRC is a violent street gang masquerading as a dance crew? or is it a dance crew that has got famous with the help of street gang tactics?

anyhoo, mi gawn look fi more info about dance crews in jamaica. mi hear bout ravers clavers and dem sittn deh, mek mi go educate miself.

**mountaingal** · 12-30-2008, 06:22 PM

Re: Gully Creeper Inventor Shot Dead

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Diabolical_Tanya</div><div class="ubbcode-body">William "Willie Haggart" Augustus Moore (1990's-2001)

The infamous leader of a posse disguised as a dance crew calling themselves the Black Roses, Willie Haggart controlled an estimated 30% of all illegal drugs flowing through the Caribbean. Renown throughout the islands for their innovative dance moves and connections to the top Reggae artists around, Willie Haggart was a beloved and feared individual.

Haggart's reign as a don ended in a hail of bullets outside of a grocery store he owned in the Lincoln Crest section of Kingston. Riddled with 19 bullets from a trio of gunmen dressed as policemen, neither Haggart nor the two bodyguards slain with him made a move to defend themselves from the fate handed them on April 18, 2001.

The murder of Willie Haggart launched an unprecedented rash of shootings which have been the topic of various political bigwigs concerned with the perception of Jamaica in the eyes of tourists. William Moore was buried in a lavish show of extravagance which saw his body delivered to and from the ceremony in a Mercedes hearse. His body lay in a specially designed casket adorned with a water fall costing an estimated $20,000. Several prominent politicians as well as the cream of the dancehall crop attended the social event of the year in the Jamaican underworld </div></div>

thanks, tanya. so that answers the question of which came first for BRC, the dance or the criminality.

**diabolical_Tanya** · 12-30-2008, 06:23 PM

Re: Gully Creeper Inventor Shot Dead

Claude Mills, Staff Reporter

THERE are few self-styled community dons who lived the flashy public lives that William "Willie Haggart" Moore did.

Before his death, he organised "bashment bus rides", mugged for the cameras during dancehall sessions, and hung out with his "Black Roses Crew" at nightclubs and outdoor dances all over the country.

Now that he's gone, "Haggart's" mark on Lincoln Crescent in Kingston is a reminder of the influence and material success of his life. It is on colourful murals on the walls of the enclave he had carved for himself, the haberdashery, the grocery, and the fading red stain on the street where he was gunned down on April 18.

Dancer Gerald "Bogle" Levy, who said he was the one who had invited "Haggart" to be a part of the Black Roses Crew, shed tears at the funeral and made it clear the don had people he could trust.

"Willie was my friend. He looked out for the community. I loved Willie for Willie, and even though other people caused friction between us, I was his true friend, mi still caan believe this gwaan," he said.

But the fallout from a don's death goes beyond the hail of gunshots that extinguished his life. There is always the fear of reprisal killings.

"Somebody a go dead fi Willie's death, learn that. What mi seh?...Yu can quote mi pon da one de," a member of the Black Roses Crew vowed, punctuating each sentence by jabbing a reporter in his chest.

The death of a don changes all the variables in the social and political equation in his sphere of influence, especially the quotient of fear, economic, personal and otherwise. For many, there is a void in the community and economic uncertainty clouds the future.

"Willie was a godfather to the youths in the area. He helped to send lots of kids to school, he had businesses, him employ youths from the area, and he was involved in contract work which helps nuff unemployed man to get jobs...now nobody no know how things can turn," one man said.

However, others disagree. A resident in another area of Arnett Gardens shot down the warm-and-fuzzy image, claiming that "Haggart" earned a reputation as a man with a mean streak who was quick to violence. She hinted at a two-facedness on the part of some residents who pretended public grief to hide personal relief.

"Willie wasn't well-loved by everyone, but people can't talk it," the woman told a reporter. "To be truthful, he helped some people on his ends, and he had annual treats for the kids. But he was a show-off and boasy. Him did moody, and he disrespected a lot of people... You never know when him woulda just box down somebody."

Still, some 5,000 persons reportedly attended "Haggart's" funeral recently, to pay homage in an event that fused the cults of celebrity and style. Cosmetologists and nail technicians in downtown Kingston raked in a windfall of cash as residents of the area donned fancy hairdos, and spruced up for the event.

"We did very well over the weekend, people were just excited about the funeral," said Jackie, the owner of Jackie's Beauty and Hair Salon in downtown Kingston, prior to the May 8 funeral. "...It was a bashment weekend."

When a don dies, there are public implications for members of the political directorate. Opposition leader, Edward Seaga, ignited a firestorm of criticism in the past for attending the funerals of Shower Posse leader Lester Lloyd "Jim Brown" Coke and his son, Mark Anthony "Jah T" Coke.

Members of the ruling People's National Party also paid homage to men who were regarded as heroes by many in their communities. At the funeral, Dr. Omar Davies, Member of Parliament for South St. Andrew, was quoted as describing "Haggart" as a "good friend who always supported me, and who always spoke his mind."

Influence

However, Member of Parliament for Central St. Catherine Olivia "Babsy" Grange, does not believe that a Member of Parliament's political survival is pegged to the influence of a don.

"The survival of an MP depends on the relationship with the people," she told The Sunday Gleaner. "In some communities, you have individuals who have influence, but if you do a job and can relate to them, no one individual can make your life difficult and uncomfortable."

And what of the close association with men of shady reputations?

"If you're a pastor in the church, you have to deal with the good, the bad and the ugly," Ms. Grange added. "And as a political representative, you have to deal with everyone, but the bottom line is how you conduct yourself, to thine own self be true. Maybe you can bring to bear some amount of decorum and model behaviour in these communities depending on how you act."

"Haggart" died intestate so there are questions as to what will happen to his business interests in the community. Among the assets are a trucking and car rental company, haberdashery, and a liquor store. Family members have promised that his various businesses will go on as planned.

"Give us two weeks and we'll get everything back on track," a man who described himself as a "friend of the family," told The Sunday Gleaner after the funeral. "There are directors who will ensure that what Willie has done will continue. There is still a park that has to be finished. Willie gave to a number of charities, and while he might have been moody, he was a charitable person."

Asked about the possibility of a brewing war between rival political factions over "Haggart's" death, the man said: "The great one may have gone, but he would not feel comfortable knowing that World War III had broken out in his place. If there is going to be any war, it won't be from our side."

Next in line

Then there is the question of who will succeed "Haggart". That drew stone cold silence.

"We have nothing to say about that...no comment on that," the man said.

Shortly after "Haggart's" death, residents of the area braced for what they thought could have been a frightening turf war, especially in a climate rife with propaganda and talk of double-crosses and assassination plots.

"Right now, it's really uncertain what is happening," a woman said then. "People still deh pon the road inna de community but dem a look fi anything happen right now."

When a don dies, it leaves a vacancy for the top spot that many "young-bloods" seek to fill especially if there is no clear successor, but not anyone can be a don. Inner-city observers believe potential successors need the "Big Five" to gain "donhood": wealth, personality/charisma, the ability to ignite fear in supporters and enemies, followers who are either ignorant and poor, and an ego, that self-belief which is the glue that holds everything else together.

Although a don's funeral is marked by fanfare, daring fashions and opulence, it is a dark reminder to other would-be dons and area leaders of how fickle life is in their present employment. "Haggart's" life ended in an unnerving symmetry to the deaths of other well-known area leaders such as Claudius Massop, "Bucky Marshall", "Copper" and "Feathermop".

People "clam up" when the words "don" and "death" are mentioned in the same sentence. They will flock to see a dead don, they just won't talk about him much.

"I don't want anything to do with that," said one area councillor when questioned about the issue. "Leave me out of that, okay sir."

When a don dies, the media also faces a dilemma. Without solid evidence, they are relegated to treating the death and subsequent funeral as a glitzy event. There is a danger that the media itself will help to mythologise or canonise men with less-than-sunny reputations.

Is a don a necessary evil? Maybe not. But it is fascinating how people, especially those living under depressed circumstances, seem to bank on the idea of a "saviour", a man who can deliver them from the trying times they are forced to live in, and get them to that promised land.

**diabolical_Tanya** · 12-30-2008, 06:27 PM

Re: Gully Creeper Inventor Shot Dead

The reward, according to Beenie Man, whose real name is Moses Davis, will be increased over subsequent weeks until the murderers are caught.

"If they are not caught after two weeks, we will increase it to $2 million," Beenie Man told the Observer last night. "And every three weeks after that it will be raised by $1 million."

Bogle, regarded as a leader of the Black Roses Crew, which was once led by Willliam "Willie Haggart" Moore, was shot dead at about 2:35 yesterday morning at the Esso gas station on the Constant Spring Road/North Odeon Avenue corner in Half-Way-Tree, Kingston.

**diabolical_Tanya** · 12-30-2008, 06:28 PM

Re: Gully Creeper Inventor Shot Dead

Police say this house at Dillion Avenue in Kingston 12, owned by dancer Jonathan Prendegast, otherwise called John Hype, was torched by arsonists yesterday morning. The house was set on fire just hours after the murder of another dancer, Gerald Levy, popularly known as Bogle. Fire also destroyed a house adjacent to Prendegast's. Police theorise that the fire was set by persons protesting against the murder of Bogle on Constant Spring Road in Kingston early yesterday. (Photo: Bryan Cummings)

**Magician** · 12-30-2008, 06:31 PM

Re: Gully Creeper Inventor Shot Dead

Mi wonder what him doing getting petrol dem ends dat time a nite!

**diabolical_Tanya** · 12-30-2008, 06:36 PM

Re: Gully Creeper Inventor Shot Dead

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Magix_di_PM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mi wonder what him doing getting petrol dem ends dat time a nite! </div></div>The article goes on to say that he was at weddy weddy an got in a dispute with someone and leff out.

**julie*mango** · 12-30-2008, 07:12 PM

Re: Gully Creeper Inventor Shot Dead

yu ishing mi!!!!!!

**Tuff Gong** · 12-30-2008, 09:34 PM

Re: Gully Creeper Inventor Shot Dead

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MGee</div><div class="ubbcode-body">....not to say that there isn't a female aspect to dancehall dancing. i have the Dancehall Queen video and I know of Keva the Diva (or whatever her name is). seems to me though that <span style="font-style: italic">groups</span> are more a male thing. </div></div>

The <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'">Dancehall Culture </span>is both male and female but predominantly revolves around female.
The <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'">Dancing Groups/Gangs/Entertainers</span> <span style="font-style: italic">(of which you are successfully making a distinction here)</span> primarily are peopled with male <span style="font-style: italic">(guys with too much testosterone, too little talent, disaffected and with a violent streak, but not enough cojones to be in a real gang)</span>.

They form roving bands of mainly teenaged males who have cornered some unique skills and dress to put on show and who follow the various Sound Systems all over the Country and sometimes abroad.
It goes all the way forward to Where its At days when Sky Juice <span style="font-style: italic">(reincarnated as Metro Media' Selector and who hails from near the infamous Black Rose Corner)</span> led a famous Dance Group in the 70s. There were others such as the <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'">One Wheel Posse </span>with <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'">SuperCat</span> and <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'">Early B.</span> from the Waltham.

**Bizzy** · 12-30-2008, 09:41 PM

Re: Gully Creeper Inventor Shot Dead

skelly wid de belly...u cum offa de road?

**mountaingal** · 12-31-2008, 10:53 AM

Re: Gully Creeper Inventor Shot Dead

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tuff Gong</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MGee</div><div class="ubbcode-body">....not to say that there isn't a female aspect to dancehall dancing. i have the Dancehall Queen video and I know of Keva the Diva (or whatever her name is). seems to me though that <span style="font-style: italic">groups</span> are more a male thing. </div></div>

The <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'">Dancehall Culture </span>is both male and female but predominantly revolves around female.
The <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'">Dancing Groups/Gangs/Entertainers</span> <span style="font-style: italic">(of which you are successfully making a distinction here)</span> primarily are peopled with male <span style="font-style: italic">(guys with too much testosterone, too little talent, disaffected and with a violent streak, but not enough cojones to be in a real gang)</span>.

They form roving bands of mainly teenaged males who have cornered some unique skills and dress to put on show and who follow the various Sound Systems all over the Country and sometimes abroad.
It goes all the way forward to Where its At days when Sky Juice <span style="font-style: italic">(reincarnated as Metro Media' Selector and who hails from near the infamous Black Rose Corner)</span> led a famous Dance Group in the 70s. There were others such as the <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'">One Wheel Posse </span>with <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'">SuperCat</span> and <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'">Early B.</span> from the Waltham. </div></div>

thanks, TG. this is illuminating.

i watch every now and then the crew dancing (my daughters are avid followers of this phenomenon online). i'm fascinated by the rise of these group - although years ago back in the 80s at a reggae sunsplash i attended there was a male dance group as part of one act, so maybe "rise" isn't really the word, maybe "proliferation" of these groups is more accurate.

the sociology of this is what grips me - guys who are young and poor and seeking easy fame and/or fortune through dancing as part of a crew. how much of their lives do they devote to it, what sacrifices do they make, how do they afford it? is it just for fun now as it was when bizi was part of a female dance crew, or is the lure of video fame and the chance as you say to travel with sound systems changed the nature of the game - not just for BRC but for all aspiring dance crews?

**Tuff Gong** · 12-31-2008, 11:20 AM

Re: Gully Creeper Inventor Shot Dead

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MGee</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
"proliferation" of these groups is more accurate.</div></div>

Is definately more accurate, because this part of teh continuation of the Loast Generation of the 70s. The young people with little past, even less of a future who drifted aimlessly about their sewage filled, garbage strewn neighbourhoods hoping that the dancehall will offer them some respite from day to day realities.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MGee</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...the sociology of this is what grips me - guys who are young and poor and seeking easy fame and/or fortune through dancing as part of a crew. how much of their lives do they devote to it, what sacrifices do they make, how do they afford it? is it just for fun now as it was when bizi was part of a female dance crew, or is the lure of video fame and the chance as you say to travel with sound systems changed the nature of the game - not just for BRC but for all aspiring dance crews? </div></div>

The have all the time on their hands with little prospect and much to gain if they are recognized. It is very cheap all you have to do it wake up, brush your teeth buy two sliced bread, a tin a mackerel and a cup of porridge, then practice all day and lay it down at night in the Dancehall.

It has become very profitable especially if the hot artiste picks up your dance.
The dancer is now to the Dancehall DJ what the Flag Waver is to the Rasta DJ. Even more the Dancer and his group/gang/crew has now become the headliner in many respects, able to earn their own keep sans DJ.

Of course for every minor success there are the many broken youth who are rubbished, because it is a very competitive business and if not dog eat dog then somewhere close to it.

Gully Creeper Inventor Shot Dead

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