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DON FORCES GANG TO CHURCH
Gangs are normally in criminal activities so hearing of a group of thugs who have been ordered to attend church every Sunday sounds far-fetched.
Nevertheless, against the odds THE WEEKEND STAR has found one such gang.
Thanks to stern orders from the don, men from the Get Dem gang which is based in Salt River, Clarendon, are instructed to attend a particular church every Sunday. Instructions are that at least five men must be present at church every week.
THE WEEKEND STAR first caught wind of the situation through a police source from Clarendon. Subsequent checks with other sources confirmed the happening.
righteous levels
"We have heard that men from the gang go to church every Sunday and that it is actually ordered by their leader," Inspector Xavier Plummer of the Clarendon police confirmed.
When THE WEEKEND STAR finally spoke with one member of the gang, he said that chuch visits are done simply to stay close to their Creator and get much-needed blessings.
"A nuh like seh we a Christian still cause yu done know we a thugs but di boss jus want wi stay pon a righteous levels, yu see it," said gang-member Nash.
Another member, Stretch said: "A jus our ting dat ... . Yu done know we run di streets so anyting can happen to wi anytime, so wi need blessings."
Failure to comply with the don's order has resulted in disciplinary action. Although the leader of the gang declined to comment, other members said it is their duty to determine which five men attend church and admitted that there has been instances where actions have been taken against men who missed out on the praise and worship.
"A we fi arrange who and who go cause wi rotate it ... . One Saturday night bout a month now wi go dance and every man did frass out and neva wake up in time fi go church ... . When di boss realise a crazy ting, who nuh get puff chest, get box or kick up," Nash explained.
Asked why they have to attend the same church weekly and not one of their choice, Stretch replied, "Dem seh strength comes in numbers eno, and as wi seh anyting can happen anytime so is best wi stay close."
matter of time
Alhough the police said that the gang is not of interest in any of their investigations now, in the past members have had run-ins with the law and some are now behind bars.
In February, an alleged member of the gang was sentenced to three years in prison after he was reportedly held with an illegal gun while on his way from a dance.
"Now they are not wanted for anything but chances are it's just a matter of time ... But church or not, once they start giving trouble we will be going for them," Inspector Plummer added.
Meanwhile, residents said they embrace the move and hope one day the men will turn their lives over to Christ.
"Is a good move which we have to commend them for ... They jus' need to take the next serious step away from crime and violence and go into the church full time," said Bernice Richards, 53, a resident of the community and devoted member of the church.
Gangs are normally in criminal activities so hearing of a group of thugs who have been ordered to attend church every Sunday sounds far-fetched.
Nevertheless, against the odds THE WEEKEND STAR has found one such gang.
Thanks to stern orders from the don, men from the Get Dem gang which is based in Salt River, Clarendon, are instructed to attend a particular church every Sunday. Instructions are that at least five men must be present at church every week.
THE WEEKEND STAR first caught wind of the situation through a police source from Clarendon. Subsequent checks with other sources confirmed the happening.
righteous levels
"We have heard that men from the gang go to church every Sunday and that it is actually ordered by their leader," Inspector Xavier Plummer of the Clarendon police confirmed.
When THE WEEKEND STAR finally spoke with one member of the gang, he said that chuch visits are done simply to stay close to their Creator and get much-needed blessings.
"A nuh like seh we a Christian still cause yu done know we a thugs but di boss jus want wi stay pon a righteous levels, yu see it," said gang-member Nash.
Another member, Stretch said: "A jus our ting dat ... . Yu done know we run di streets so anyting can happen to wi anytime, so wi need blessings."
Failure to comply with the don's order has resulted in disciplinary action. Although the leader of the gang declined to comment, other members said it is their duty to determine which five men attend church and admitted that there has been instances where actions have been taken against men who missed out on the praise and worship.
"A we fi arrange who and who go cause wi rotate it ... . One Saturday night bout a month now wi go dance and every man did frass out and neva wake up in time fi go church ... . When di boss realise a crazy ting, who nuh get puff chest, get box or kick up," Nash explained.
Asked why they have to attend the same church weekly and not one of their choice, Stretch replied, "Dem seh strength comes in numbers eno, and as wi seh anyting can happen anytime so is best wi stay close."
matter of time
Alhough the police said that the gang is not of interest in any of their investigations now, in the past members have had run-ins with the law and some are now behind bars.
In February, an alleged member of the gang was sentenced to three years in prison after he was reportedly held with an illegal gun while on his way from a dance.
"Now they are not wanted for anything but chances are it's just a matter of time ... But church or not, once they start giving trouble we will be going for them," Inspector Plummer added.
Meanwhile, residents said they embrace the move and hope one day the men will turn their lives over to Christ.
"Is a good move which we have to commend them for ... They jus' need to take the next serious step away from crime and violence and go into the church full time," said Bernice Richards, 53, a resident of the community and devoted member of the church.
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