Jamaica remained in the grip of violence as sporadic gunfire was
heard today and at least one policeman died despite a tough call to order from Prime Minister Percival Patterson.
A police officer was stoned to death today in Trelawney, northwest of the capital, according to media reports, adding to the official death toll of 20 in three days of unrest that began with gunbattles in Kingston on Saturday. The Jamaica Gleanernewspaper put the death toll at 25. Late last night Mr Patterson announced that the army had been granted police powers and would take part in a "special operation" to restore law and order.
"We'll leave no stone unturned in our attempt to stomp out criminality," he said.
As of yesterday, 25 individuals have been detained, and six weapons, including high-powered guns, have been confiscated in West Kingston, according to police officials.
The unrest which has deeply shaken the Caribbean island of 2.6 million people originated in Tivoli Gardens, a poor Kingston neighbourhood and political stronghold of former prime minister Edward Seaga and his opposition Jamaica Labour Party.
The fighting in the West Kingston community spread beyond the capital with clashes and looting reported in St. Catherine and in Spanish Town.
Banks and most other businesses in the capital remained shuttered today and residents continued to erect barricades to keep out security forces from their neighborhoods.
Police entered Tivoli Gardens on Saturday searching for guns, ammunition and wanted men when they came under fire from high-rise buildings, according to local media reports.
Mr Seaga, who represents West Kingston in parliament, accused the police, in a radio interview, of having a political agenda ahead of elections, and demanded an investigation.
Mr Patterson said last night he would be seeking foreign help in confronting the crisis without disclosing to which country he would address his request.
However, Mr K.D. Knight, Jamaica's minister for internal security and justice, is planning a trip to Britain, the former colonial power, next week, according to media reports.
And Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie are to go ahead with a visit to Jamaica beginning July 29, according to Downing Street, despite the unrest.
Jamaica is a popular destination for visitors from North America and Europe - most of whom, however, do not include Kingston in their itinerary but instead fly into Montego Bay on the other side of the island, 120 kilometers (75 miles) away, before heading for coastal resorts.
AFP