Hayes community seeks answers following fatal shooting

The community of Savanna in Hayes, Clarendon, particularly members of its Police Youth Club, is still searching for answers following the murder of a man and the injury of three others in a multiple-shooting incident on Sunday night.

Youth club leaders are hopeful that the recent violence in and around Hayes does not tarnish the community’s image, which has been making significant strides in engaging its youth.

The deceased has been identified as 31-year-old Daniel Bowen, who was shot multiple times in his upper body. According to reports, shortly after 8 p.m. on Sunday, gunmen emerged from a car and opened fire in a yard where people had gathered, killing Bowen and injuring the others. At least one of the other victims is reportedly still hospitalised in serious condition.

On Thursday, Kim Berlin, president of the Hayes Police Youth Club, expressed the view that the community remains perplexed by the incident, which many residents believe may have been carried out by outsiders.

The Hayes Police Youth Club has been making significant efforts to steer youngsters away from violence, and many have been receptive in a community where gang violence had been declining.

“I think the message of unity is being received by most of them because many people believe that Sunday night’s incident was a drive-by. Still, people don’t know what happened,” she said, noting that Savanna is home to many youth club members.

In light of the incident, she said the club is considering moving its weekly meetings from the police station to the communities, to better connect with youths and help deter potential reprisals.

REACHING THE MOST VULNERABLE

Berlin pointed out that the Hayes Police Youth Club is the only one of its kind in Clarendon that has remained active, winning several awards aimed at reaching the most vulnerable. Despite smaller attendance at some meetings, the club often sees upwards of 30 people on a good night.

“We have several people from Savanna, and we engage them as best as possible, inviting speakers to assist with mental health. We have been reaching the youths, but I think there’s more we can do by going into the community, sitting with them, and participating in activities like playing dominoes. We’ve been receiving positive feedback about this idea,” Berlin told The Gleaner.

She hopes that Sunday’s shooting does not overshadow the community’s achievements, noting that the club has won multiple awards, including the Area Three National Police Youth Club (NPYC) Quiz Competition Runner-Up in 2022, the NPYC Bible Quiz Competition in 2023, and the 2023 Clarendon Netball Championship.

“Over the last year, we have performed exceptionally well at parish, area, and national levels. These achievements highlight the positive opportunities available beyond crime and violence,” she said.

On Monday, Shirley Morgan-Bowen, Daniel’s mother, shared that she was at church when she was alerted to her son’s death. She described him as a hard-working security guard who ensured that she was well cared for.

Owen Brown, deputy police superintendent at the May Pen Police Station, stated that two persons have been charged in connection with the incident. He confirmed that the area remains under curfew and patrols continue.

“We want to reassure residents that we will leave no stone unturned in this investigation,” Brown added.

corey.robinson@gleanerjm.com