Clarendon Constables cases set for trial in Circuit Court

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) wishes to advise the public that the cases involving five members of the Clarendon Division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), have been transferred to the Home Circuit Court.

A nolle prosequi was entered and a Voluntary Bill of Indictment was preferred on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The five members, Detective Corporal Kevin Adams, Constable Cark Bucknor, Special Constable Shannon Ceon Allen, Special Constable Mario Taylor, and District Constable Howard Brown appeared before the St. Andrew Parish Court yesterday, Wednesday December 14. The matters have been transferred before Her Ladyship, Mrs. Vivienne Harris.

Detective Corporal Adams was remanded in custody pending a bail application on January 30, 2017. His matters will be mentioned on February 24, 2017.

Constable Bucknor and District Constable Brown’s bail was extended to February 24, 2017, and Special Constables Allen and Taylor’s bail was extended to March 10, 2017, when the matters come up for mention for disclosure and the settlement of representation for the defense. Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs. Yanique Gardener-Brown and Mrs. Ann-Marie Feurtado-Richards (who appeared by way of a fiat from the Director of Public Prosecutions) appeared for the Crown.

Background Adams, Bucknor and Brown are charged with the murder of Andrew Bisson which occurred on May 9, 2011 at Hayes, Clarendon. Mr. Adams is also charged with the murder of Adiff Washington which occurred on January 14, 2013 at the May Pen Hospital, Clarendon. Allen and Taylor are charged with the murder of Adolphus Reader which occurred on February 28, 2013 at Sevens Road, Clarendon.

Commentary

Death Squad Probe …

INDECOM must be commended for digging deep to get to the bottom of the death squad allegations. All is considered innocent until proven otherwise.

For Police Officers who have sworn to protect to be accused of wantonly execute members of the public is unbelievable to say the least. It is most disturbing and we hope the matter will be resolved soon.

MOU

We wish to restate our opposition to any proposed MOU between the police and INDECOM. Their relationship must be respectful but there needs to be a professional distance. Full stop.

All the success. Do not be intimidated, for goodness sake. We need INDECOM more than a pig needs a pool of mud.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International Correspondent & photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.