Jamaican Posse
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The Jamaican Posse is a loose coalition of gangs, based predominantly in the New York City area, first being involved in drugs and gun-running in the early 1980s. It is widely claimed that the Jamaican Posses are affiliated with Jamaican political parties, such as the Jamaica Labour Party and the People's National Party.
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[edit] History
The Jamaican Posses first began operating in the early 1980s, originally dealing in marijuana and guns. From 1986, they expanded into crack cocaine. Their centers of drug trafficking are New York and Miami, with Connecticut's major cities as secondary distribution points (Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport). A number of Posse members are in prison in these areas.
Although their members originate from Jamaica, they are not connected with the Rastafarian religion, who predominantly associate themselves with the production and sale of marijuana. There is a rift between the two groups over the production of cocaine in Jamaica - the Rastafari are against the production of harder drugs than cannabis.
There are two basic Posses, the Spangler Posse, alleged to be politically aligned with the People's National Party PNP (socialistic tendencies rumored to be aligned with Fidel Castro), and the Shower Posse (aligned with the Jamaican Labor Party (JLP), and allegedly aligned with the United States and the CIA).
[edit] Violence
Jamaican Posse members are known for drive-by shootings in disputes with rival gangs over drug turf. Posse members are known for ritualized killings of members who "rip off" profits on drugs. The killing ritual usually involves the shooting of the individual five times; four to the chest and one to the head. Posse members have little regard for public safety or human life. Posse violence can be directed at anyone they feel has crossed them or is in their way. Once in prison, however, their violence is minimal. A common sight among members is a large phallus tattooed on the left hand.
The alleged head of the One Order Gang, Andrew 'Bun Man' Hope, was murdered in Spanish Town on Feb 8, 2006 which sparked a riot the following day.
[edit] External links
[edit] Further reading
Born Fi' Dead : A Journey Through The Jamaican Posse Underworld by Laurie Gunst