Warring thugs in Cassava Piece and Glen Drive, St Andrew, have created lists with the names of persons they say must die, investigations have revealed.

It is understood that one of the names on the hit list is popular dancehall artiste David 'Mavado' Brooks, among others, who are marked for death by men from Cassava Piece. Mavado is said to be affiliated with a crew which is based on a section of Glen Drive.

Deputy Superintendent Carol McKenzie, head of operations for the St Andrew North police, admitted that the police have heard talk of the hitlists.

"Yes, we have heard of it, there are some names on some lists, but we haven't actually seen it," DSP McKenzie said. He was unable to say which names are on the lists.

Detective Sergeant Michael Greenwood of the Area Five police says the police have received information that Mavado's name was on one of the lists. But, they are unable to prove this as they have not actually seen any of the lists.

"We know there is some conflict between the men and Mavado, as he is said to be affiliated with one side. As a result, he is said to be on the list of the men from the other side ... We hear all sorts of things," Greenwood told said.

According to DSP McKenzie, the so-called hit lists, or rumours of their existence, surfaced around January.

Men from Cassava Piece and the adjoining community of Glen Drive have vowed to get rid of the selected individuals.

The warring factions have been at each other's throats since last September when two well-known men from both communities were shot dead in separate, but related incidents.

Reports are that on September 4, an individual known as 'Tin Man' from Cassava Piece was shot dead by gunmen as he celebrated the victory of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in the general election a day earlier.

Almost two weeks later, 'Bobby Slew', a high-ranking member of the Glen Drive community, was gunned down in what the police theorised was a reprisal for Tin Man's death.

Recent violent incidents have led the loss of several lives, some said to be innocent, while others were tagged as criminals by police sources.

"In the last flare-up of violence, two-high ranking members of Cassava Piece were killed ... There is a war between the communities," DSP McKenzie confirmed.

As a result, residents of both communities are cowering in fear, noting that not being on the alleged hit lists does not guarantee their safety.

"Di man dem have list weh dem a work wid but a whole heap a innocent people a dead," Mr. Scott, an elderly resident of Glen Drive, said.

Similarly, Mrs Shirley, another elderly Cassava Piece resident, said: "A pure innocent *lo** a shed, wi tired a it now, wi hear seh dem all have down people name who dem want, but people weh nuh involve still a get hurt."

Although both sets of thugs were tight-lipped on the topic of their respective lists, one known 'shotta' from Cassava Piece was adamant, claiming "Da war ya nah go done."

"Dem out fi we and we out fi dem, we always a bleach (stay up late) an a look out fi dem an wi nuh fraid fi tek dem on," he added.

Meanwhile, DSP McKenzie said the police have an interest in some men whom they believe are key players in the feud. He urged residents to assist the police in bringing these men to justice.

"In terms of the conflict, there are some names of men alleged to be key players, but there is no evidence," he said.

The police have promised to maintain a presence in the troubled communities.

* - Name changed to protect identity