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#10448 - 03/25/02 09:43 PM

Hell in the hills - ANDEM GANG

zouse
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Registered: 10/11/00
Posts: 2149
Loc: Jamaica

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IF A PICTURE is worth a thousand words, then TVJ talked up a storm last weekend. By means known only to itself, the TV station got hold of video footage of the "life and times" of an urban guerilla gang, calling themselves the "Andem Warriors," who felt confident enough in their hillside hideaway to record their activities with the help of a video cameraman who happened to be a part of the gang.

Reports are that since then, he has succumbed to "terminal illness by ammunition" but he leaves behind a "legacy" if you can call it that, of another hidden, deeply-disturbing layer of contemporary life. The police have spoken often of gang activities but I don't imagine too many people took it too seriously. Few, if any of us, could've imagined that we'd be seeing such an aggregation up front and close in the way they revealed themselves in the video footage.

TVJ did two showings, the first around noon on Sunday. As it happens, I was in the Papine area while the first screening was in progress. A group of women vendors were gathered around a small TV set on the sidewalk, they watched in silence, for the most part. These are women who're usually quite garrulous, given to loud commentary on life, punctuated with much laughter. This time, they were not laughing and were talking very little, except for the occasional comment: "Mi know some a dem. Dem is bwoy dat grow up right round yah."

I did not see what was holding their interest at that time. It was some hours later, when TVJ did a re-run that I was introduced to the so-called "Andem Warriors". It is not surprising that some people (for reasons best known to them) were saying the next day that they thought the whole thing was a fraud, that it was all made. Clearly, it was too much to believe. It had to be, according to some, a "government set-up", a police-inspired "role-play" to create a climate for them (the cops) to shoot down innocent young men. We're in that kind of mode. It's the times.

Whatever the motives of the cynical, it is indeed hard to believe that the anti-social behaviour depicted on the film actually exists in our land. From public comments, three aspects of the footage which created the greatest alarm were: a) the torture of a stolen cow which was "jooked" several times, as it was pulled up and down while the gangstas tried to slaughter it. Their inept and callous handling of the animal was sickening. b) The scenes of two young women modelling high-powered rifles as if they were handbags or some other fashion accessories and c) a treat given for children who were facilitated to behave like wild animals, including one small boy who seemed to have got "in heat" and proceeded to "wine" on an adult woman who was quite accommodating.

There were many other moments for distress and alarm, notably, the pronouncement by gang members, not once, but several times, of their willingness to "kill Babylon, one a day". Whatever some have chosen to interpret "Babylon" to be, the widely-held understanding is that the reference is to the police. In a situation where cops have fallen in the battle against crime and violence, the remark could not be taken lightly.

Real Rastafarians had occasion for disquiet too with the salutes to "Haile Selassie, Rastafari", by bald-head and locks wearers, none of whom showed the slightest respect. The smoking of the chalice, while nonsensical yet dangerous pronouncements were being made, also drew sharp remarks of condemnation from some "Genuine Brethren" who were concerned at the liberties taken with their "religion".

WHILE THE POLICE hunt for the leader of the gang, who remains on the Most Wanted List, people are left to wonder (yet again) how came we here, Lord?

East Rural St Andrew is an interesting area, a blend of rural and urban, set in some of the most beautiful hill country. Besides the pockets of residential development, it is framed by rivers and streams and fertile land which used to provide a rich source of vegetables and fruits for city markets.

These days, one hardly, if ever, meets market trucks coming down from the hills, trailing the pungent scent of skellion and thyme from bundles packed tight with carrots and other vegetables, topped by bunches of asters, anthuriums and other hill-grown flowers. The simple country life has almost gone, including the traditional "mango bush". As the old-time farmers have been disappearing, so the hills are being occupied by a new breed of "growers".

Over the past four to five years, there has been unprecedented migration into the hills by young men, many proclaiming themselves to be Rasta. Some farm, others survive by mysterious providence. Many live in peaceful co-existence with the rest of the community. However, there are others who are aggressive in their acquisition of territory.

They capture the land at will, transforming areas into ramshackle, unsightly settlements.

Old-timers, with historic respect for the sanctity of the land, look on in horror at the denudation of the hillsides, the encroachment on what used to be watersheds and a general disregard for everything. Sizeable colonies have been established. Mysteriously, they blaze with light while law-abiding folk await JPSCo promises.

There is little doubt that some of the "new neighbours" are not there to "chant a psalm a day". Murders and thefts are now marring the serenity of the once-tranquil area. People do not talk about it, however. Fear abounds. When people do speak, it is prefaced by words of caution: "Mi nuh able." "Mi nuh waan dem come kill me."

The hill people saw the TVJ footage. Everybody in the hills has TV these days. Everybody has been awakened on the occasions when the JDF helicopter roams the skies over the hills, looking, looking, but seemingly finding nothing. But as the old-timers say: "Someting inna someting."

The police organise community consultations for people to express their concerns but people are highly selective in what they reveal. A popular sentiment is: "Me nah sey nutten more dan so. Mi nuh able dem shoot mi." Citizens who are able to overcome the barrier of fear, ask (not too loudly), "Where are the authorities when the strange men are moving into the communities? If everybody else knows about it, where are those who should make it their business to know and stop it before it starts?" The answer is yet to be heard. The other question the people are asking (quietly), "How many more 'warriors' have encamped around the innocents in the St Andrew hills and other hills, for that matter?"

And while we are at it, who will stop the degradation of the environment which is another crime against the community? The damage being done to the rivers in particular by uncontrolled squatting along river banks, is almost too much to contemplate. The "culprits" are not only the "poor sufferers" but people who have the means to buy lots, often from people who do not own the land.

Politicians turn a blind eye. (Settlements mean more voters?) Building codes either do not exist or are ignored. Maybe hurricane and land slippage will become the only arbiters of what will remain for another generation to see. As for the invaded communities, the catch word is: "He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life."

CESS-ATION: So the street light cess has been dropped. Once again you have to ask if everybody in the Cabinet was out to lunch when the decision for its introduction was taken in election year, with the closest margin between the ins and the outs, with people in a "suddy" mood, with the hunt for scandal deepening the cynicism of the electorate. Once again Mr Patterson has snatched victory from the jaws of defeat but he should let those around him know he can do that only for so long and no more.

Now, we have to deal with the national tendency to cheat on taxes. If the facts are correct, that only 45 per cent of us pay property tax, then how come so much people like to talk about "we the taxpayers"?

Related links:

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html..._these_men_.asp
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20020316t220000-0500_22802_obs_most_wanted.asp
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html...terrogation.asp
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html...ndem_s_head.asp
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html..._in_custody.asp
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/h...em_theology.asp
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines...rn_to_crime.asp

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#10449 - 03/26/02 09:01 AM

Re: Hell in the hills - ANDEM GANG

saltman
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Registered: 06/26/01
Posts: 2055
Loc: Miami, FL, USA

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Easy Zouse, I actually saw the footage this morning in Miami, as we get a TVJ feed everyday at 6am...Anyway, it is indeed disturbing...You touched on all the good points..Comitting murder and blessing it using the perversion of religion is disgusting; Raising innocent youngsters in this lifestyle is disgusting; Degrading the hillside watershed (I am an environmental engineer) is disgusting.....My main worry, is that there may be a lot of copy cats as a result...Some youts in certain areas may watch this on TV and think it is something to emulate...One good thing that may arise, however, Is that many of the citizens who cry down police as bad, can now see the evil criminal element they really face daily, and i think this was a stark realization for jamaicans to rise up and take back our country...WE need to get out of this bun a informer attitude, if unno know something speak up!! why do we constantly protect the murderers as heroes, and cry down the police as villans, although i must admit not all cops mean well, the vast majority DO!!
Every Jamaican now needs to be a part of the solution.
I hope that footage gains the attention of Uncle Sam, b/c dem would send some bloodclaaat special forces in the hills of St.Andrew, trust me b/c dem yout deh a TERRORISTS!

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#10450 - 03/26/02 10:48 AM

Re: Hell in the hills - ANDEM GANG

Tman_dup1
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Registered: 01/04/01
Posts: 611
Loc: London, England

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I wish we could get to see it here in the UK. I hear it was very chilling and opened a lot of eyes.
For once I would agree with Uncle Sam sending in troops to clear out this vermin once and for all as our politicians dont have the guts to do it.
Louis Farrakhan on his recent visit said the smame thing when he described Jamaican politics as tribal and called on them to stop it. Everyone knows the roots of this kind of criminal activity is deeply embedded in garrison politics.
Come on Wuba, here are another group of terrorists that wont give you half the fight the Taliban are giving you in Afgan.
Dont wait on the PNP or JLP, send in the Marines NOW before these criminals link with Al Queda.
Peace

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#10451 - 03/26/02 11:26 AM

Re: Hell in the hills - ANDEM GANG

G.
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Registered: 07/13/01
Posts: 3098

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So weh di man dem a seh

U have a coronary on u hands
And u call in the security guard and the janitor?????

The problem stems from political corruption and economic depression, how farin troops a guh help situation, Mogadishu II.

So yawdman a go jus curl up and lay down dem metal bible so weh dem a live by all dis time.

So afta dem kill off and arrest the 10000 baddest - there will be peace, right?

Listen, the solution is to purge the military and the police of the corrupt elements and llow the Local Troops to do their job.

Truss mi, dem can dweet.
Trust me, they can Do It.

But dem hands tied.

Also requires the governing body to cease any and all allegiance to any elements detrimental to good goverance.

Now all dat is a tall order which the ticians CANNOT bring about - Only The People.

Think local, a nuh everything farin good.

And wi nuh want dem there plus wi nuh know IF dem will every want to leave.

A word to the blind - check out Puerto Rico.

How wi so quick fi give up wi Independence soooooo?

[This message has been edited by Guidance (edited 03-26-2002).]

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#10452 - 03/26/02 12:04 PM

Re: Hell in the hills - ANDEM GANG

Princess
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Registered: 08/27/01
Posts: 7120
Loc: St. Cloud, FL

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I haven't seen the report, but from the postings it sounds extremely disturbing. However, is it just lawlessness and complete disregard for humanity or sick-minded/cultish people who have managed to brainwash other weakminded folks. The badman mentality has been with us for decades. But other areas being addressed are quite disturbing to me. I don't doubt for one minute that the devil has not taken control of the minds of these people. They are not fighting for/against a cause they just sound sick/perverted and evil. I would not be surprised if some cultish practice is discovered in their "rituals". God have mercy on our country!

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#10453 - 03/26/02 01:31 PM

Re: Hell in the hills - ANDEM GANG

saltman
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Registered: 06/26/01
Posts: 2055
Loc: Miami, FL, USA

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Guidance, (correct me if wrong) but you sound like the typical jamaican blaming the police and army forces corruptions...Why not blame the evil gunman dem....And then you say we cant think evrything in farin good rae rae...Answer this Question honestly to yourself, Have the jamaican forces and powers that be been able to deal with this problem? Or does it keep on getting worse everyday?
Corruption or not, the Law forces are severely outgunned..
Mogadishu 2??!!! I dont think so, our society is not a tenth as lawless as that...Forget about your inhibitions bout uncle sam, and realize that they can wipe out elements like these very easily...After that?...then it is up to us to restructure our society, but our hands have been tied, are tied and will continue to be tied, until we jamaican admit that we need help and can no longer handle the situation on our own...

Ah lie?
Forget bout the false pride man.
WE NEED HELP there are terrorists plaguing our society..
TVJ need to send dat bloodcleet to CNN/MSNBC, or are we just going to sweep it under the rug to save our precious tourism?!

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#10454 - 03/26/02 01:32 PM

Re: Hell in the hills - ANDEM GANG

saltman
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Registered: 06/26/01
Posts: 2055
Loc: Miami, FL, USA

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How many more innocents have to be killed and terrorised before we swallow our pride and admit we need help? huh?!!!

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#10455 - 03/26/02 03:03 PM

Re: Hell in the hills - ANDEM GANG

G.
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Registered: 07/13/01
Posts: 3098

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Quote:

Guidance:

U have a coronary on u hands

And u call in the security guard and the janitor?????

So afta dem kill off and arrest the 10000 baddest - there will be peace, right?

Saltman are u trini, u really sound like a true-trini - wipe out the elements and restructure the society. Not so easy is not like u removing an sham of a sports organization. Guerillas know when tings get hot fi move back into the mainstream and blend.

If u REALLY wanna clean house start at the top where fat neck guys tell police and soldier what to do or not to do and fire them when dem start clean-up dem protected enclaves of evil.

When di yanks dem come nuclear armanents and in the process of wiping the Society clean dem leave the environment polluted fi di nex millenium - u nah seh nutten bout dat, right.
An environmental engineer would be concerned bout that eeeeeen? Tink dem a come fi clean up yard with .38, nitestick and mace.

all dat glitters is not gold youthy

maybe u should reread mi post b4 u cast wild assertions as a typical calpysonian

Listen, the solution is to purge the military and the police of the corrupt elements and llow the Local Troops to do their job.

Truss mi, dem can dweet.
Trust me, they can Do It.

But dem hands tied.

simple put mi have pride inna wi People
not the ticians
mi nah sell dem out fi nuh NWO

btw How tings in Trini?

_________________________
In absence of the gold standard there is no way to protect savings from confiscation thru inflation

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#10456 - 03/26/02 03:56 PM

Re: Hell in the hills - ANDEM GANG

saltman
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Registered: 06/26/01
Posts: 2055
Loc: Miami, FL, USA

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LOL, guidance,.......
"how tings in trini?" bloodcleet, you a comedian!!!
shoulda never mek the mistake tell unno say mi poopa a trini!!

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#10457 - 03/26/02 04:01 PM

Re: Hell in the hills - ANDEM GANG

saltman
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Registered: 06/26/01
Posts: 2055
Loc: Miami, FL, USA

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me? wild assertations?
You nah even answer fimi question...can we do this on our own or do we need help???!!! why you cant answer?
The trini and calypsonian anaolgies funny indeed...but i made a very clear post read above where it say correct me if i'm wrong....my friend, that shows that my oppinions of you through your post may be an injustace and misguided, and i knowingly gave you the opportunity to correct me!!

USE SOME INTELLIGENCE MAN!!!
bout wild assertations

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#10458 - 03/26/02 04:16 PM

Re: Hell in the hills - ANDEM GANG

G.
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Registered: 07/13/01
Posts: 3098

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Quote:

saltman:
saltman:
You nah even answer fimi question...can we do this on our own or do we need help???!!! why you cant answer?

U affi si wid mi
mi nuh so good inna di head part
but a tink a ansa sah

Quote:

Guidance:

Listen, the solution is to purge the military and the police of the corrupt elements and llow the Local Troops to do their job.

Truss mi, dem can dweet.
Trust me, they can Do It.

But dem hands tied.

MacMillan tried but greater powers prevail
And if yanks or brits come in - dem a guh choose side and it jus keeps going, going, going

_________________________
In absence of the gold standard there is no way to protect savings from confiscation thru inflation

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