Jamaican News

Defence Board Meets to Discuss Enquiry Findings

Andrew-Holness-Official-2-640x425The Defence Board chaired by the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Hon. Andrew Holness met on June 17, 2016 to discuss the Report of the Commission of Enquiry Appointed to Enquire into Events which Occurred in West Kingston and Related Areas in May 2010. In attendance were the Minister of National Security Hon. Robert Montague M.P., the Minister of Justice Hon. Delroy Chuck, Q.C, M.P., Attorney General Hon. Marlene Malahoo-Forte Q.C., M.P., the Chief of Defence Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Major General A. B. Anderson, and other Government officials.

The Defence Board is established by the Defence Act of Jamaica and is responsible under the general authority of the Prime Minister. as the Minster of Defence, for the command, discipline, administration and all other matters relating to the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) including to act as an advisory Board to the Minister of Defence.

The Defence Board considered in detail the findings of the Report relating to the JDF and specifically those in relation to the conduct of officers and the use of mortars during the operations of May 2010.

The Report will be further discussed in Cabinet on Monday June 20, 2016, and the Government will, in short order hold further meetings with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the citizens of West Kingston and other stakeholders, with a view to arriving at a final position in relation to the recommendations of the Commission of Enquiry.

 Major General Antony Anderson
Major General Antony Anderson

Commentary

The far-reaching findings and recommendations of the Tivoli Commission are obviously being taken seriously. It is the fist time in living memory that such a comprehensive release been sent to the media on the events of the Defense Board.

It has been my understanding that this body meets privately and never reveals anything to the media.

This is a new day and is a significant day. The estimated J350 million Tivoli Commission that reported on the deaths of some 75 + Jamaicans allegedly at the hands of the security forces is cause for concern.

The report stopped just short of recommending the arrest and trial of top officers for gross dereliction of duty … possibly cold blooded murder. There are many questions for the Army and Police to answer. Will they ever answer those questions?

Interesting times are ahead …

Commentary by: Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International Correspondent & Photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.

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