Preston Rivers has become the latest victim of a murder spree that’s spiralling way out of control.

Now the upper echelons of Cayman power have vowed to put an end to the mindless violence that has seen three people killed in less than a week.

After a high level meeting between Premier McKeeva Bush, Commissioner David Baines and Governor Duncan Taylor, one proposal discussed is to employ a gang curfew.

iNews is the first paper to bring you the message delivered by Baines late yesterday afternoon.

Speaking on the steps of the Government Administration Building the RCIPS Commissioner said: “Our challenge is to block and stop further retaliation and get in between the Logwoods and Birch Tree Hill gangs.

“The offenders are now moving further afield to target their victims.

“All it takes are two or three toxic individuals to escalate this to a level never seen before. All the police know what further action we need to do.

“In each murder there are at least two gunmen and two separate weapons. We have evidence of a shotgun, a semi-automatic pistol and a revolver being used.

On the subject of a curfew or no-go areas, Mr Baines said: “We have to design it specifically and the challenge is we have to police it.

“The problem is the gang members are not there anymore. They are hiding in fear of retaliation and they know we are looking for them. They have got their heads down.

Police say three suspects have been arrested in connection with the murders. One has been released and two remain in custody.

Governor Taylor echoed his comments adding: “We are looking at changing the firearms law. If the police suspect there are drugs; they can go in without a warrant and the burden of proof is on the person inside to explain.

“That does not apply to firearms. Can we look around to change the firearms law so the burden of proof is on the property owners so the police can go in immediately?

“I have the power to order a cordon or curfew and I’m happy to do so if the Commissioner of Police reaches that decision.”

Police say they are moving swiftly – recruiting just under 50 additional positions within the Force including firearms officers, surveillance and investigations officers and a high level forensic manager to oversee them.

The Governor will meet today at 3pm with the crime fighting National Security Council.

They also plan to have a response team armed with Tasers and a “drop-in” team for vulnerable areas.

Premier Bush said: “Our homes must be defiled no longer for our hearts are broken.

“The growing trend of violence in our country has been recognisable for many years… leading up to the senseless executions which we are witnessing today.

“We as a Government have done all we can do and still stand willing to do even more. Enough is enough and we need action NOW.”

At just 18 years old Preston Rivers had his whole life ahead of him. But late on Saturday night the teenager was shot dead – the third person to be killed in West Bay in less than a week.

Andrew Baptist was killed on Thursday night. Two days before Robert Bush was shot dead as he sat in a car.

Just after 10pm on Saturday night police were called after Rivers was killed on Andresen Road outside a condominium complex.

One of the suspects was male, five foot ten, dressed in a blue polo short with white stripes and a blue shirt covering his face.

Persons who may have information that can assist the Team with their investigations can contact the “Murder Investigation Team at these two mobile numbers. 926-1773 or  925-6761

Alternatively, persons with information can speak to any officer at any of the RCIPS’ Stations or Crime stoppers 800TIPS (8477) if they wish to remain anonymous.

Meanwhile, in relation to the incident on Saturday afternoon 17th September 2011 where a section of the Esterley Tibbets Highway Bypass was closed to facilitate a search for a wanted male, Police can now confirm a 26-year-old male was arrested on Suspicion of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm in the George Town area.

Police say there is no connection with the recent murders in West Bay, however it is connected to an incident last week in Bodden’s Road, George Town where police recovered a firearm and ammunition.

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