While most Jamaicans welcomed 2009 without incident early yesterday morning, New Year's celebrations turned deadly for patrons of at least two parties in the western end of the island.

A man was killed in Salt Spring, St James, as shots rang out in celebration and a police constable has been taken off front-line duty after an incident in which a shopkeeper was critically injured in Westmoreland.

In St James, Kimanie Manderson, 27-year-old labourer of Meggie Top, Salt Spring, was pronounced dead at hospital after he was shot during celebrations in the community,

According to reports from the Constabulary Communication Network (CCN), Manderson was among persons ringing in the New Year at a party in Salt Spring when he was shot during a gun salute. He was rushed to the Cornwall Regional Hospital, St James.

Bullet from policeman

The cop is being questioned in connection with the shooting of Courtney Williams, who was allegedly injured by a bullet from the policeman's firearm during a party in Senior District, Westmoreland, which is in the Cambridge Police Division. Yesterday, Williams remained hospitalised in critical condition.

Police reported that, in the Westmoreland incident, a constable was at a party with friends when his 9mm Beretta fell from his waistband. While he was attempting to catch the firearm, two rounds were discharged. Williams was later found suffering from a wound to the neck and was taken to the Cornwall Regional Hospital.

Investigators have confirmed that a report will be sent to the director of public prosecutions for a decision to be made on whether the constable should be charged.

The police were still searching for those responsible for the shooting in Salt Spring.