Retaliatory strikes by members of the Jamaican street gang known as the Clansman do not pose a significant threat to the survival of the Jamaican government. On the contrary, gang violence and politics go hand-in-hand on the island. Among the Jamaicans, the phenomenon of violence for political ends is called ?garrison politics? and dates back to the 1970s when two political parties — the People?s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) — enlisted the support of local gangs to secure victory in national elections. Although the October 31 death of Clansman gang leader Donovan ?Bulbie? Bennet is a blessing to the Jamaican people, a successor will most assuredly be found.

Bulbie, who is also referred to as ?The One Don? of Spanish Town, had been implicated in 80 murders, numerous shootings, extortion rackets, drug trafficking, and several other crimes. Police estimated that Bulbie had a net worth of $100 million and held the esteemed position of Jamaica?s most wanted man at the time of his death. Such a remarkable resume of violence should invoke little surprise. However, revelations made by Superintendent Kenneth Wade (in charge of the St. Catherine North police division in which Spanish Town is located) that the PNP supported the Clansman and Bulbie has drawn considerable inquiries. The fact that Jamaican Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas verified Wade?s statement has only reinforced the disbelief. At a local news conference held after Jamaican police killed Bulbie, Commissioner Thomas told reporters: ?We have seen, over the years, a relationship between organized crime, politics, drugs and other areas.?