By Janet Silvera, Gleaner WriterWESTERN BUREAU:
A POLICE corporal is now under investigation allegedly for assaulting a female 'Spring Break' tourist at the Jungle Nightclub in Negril, Westmoreland on Tuesday morning.
Jessica Senecal, a university student from Kentucky in the United States, told The Gleaner that she was kicked in the stomach and doused with beer by a policeman because she rejected his provocative advances.
The accused policeman, Corporal Calvin Antonio, who was off-duty at the time, is one of the 60 additional law enforcers deployed recently in Negril to beef up security for the resort town and its visitors.
Attempts at comment from the policeman were unsuccessful. The Jamaica Tourist Board, which was informed of the incident almost immediately and is conducting its own probe, told The Gleaner it would not comment ahead of police investigation so as not to prejudice the case.
Miss Senecal meantime said the incident has left her scared.
"I was dancing in the middle of the dance floor with my friends, when I was approached from behind," said the 22-year-old student.
"He was rubbing his body against mine from the back and all I know is that, I didn't want to dance with him."
She said she moved away from the man, but he followed her.
"He then grabbed me and a tussle began between him and some friends of mine."
According to the American, during the tussle, the policeman dumped beer on her, and kicked her in the stomach.
"I fell on the ground and was kicked once again," said Miss Senecal. "He was out of control, like a mad man."
After the alleged incident, Miss Senecal was taken to the Negril police station where a report was made. She was later taken to Dr. Withold Radomski's clinic on Norman Manley Boulevard where she was treated.
Dr. Radomski said he would not comment on the treatment, citing doctor/client privilege.
The Negril police have confirmed the incident, but would not elaborate on it.
POLICY
"There is a policy as it relates to media," said Inspector Marva Daley, second in command at the station. She confirmed however that the matter was under investigation. Police spokeswoman Ionie Ramsay-Nelson did not return calls for comment.
The JTB also refused to speak to the possible ramifications.
"As I understand it, the matter is now being investigated by the police, and so we are waiting on that report," said Deputy Director of Tourism David Shields.
But Miss Senecal, who said she had planned on vacationing here with her fiancé at a later date, told The Gleaner that the experience has left a horrible taste in her mouth.
"I don't feel safe here. Who are we to go to if the cops are the ones beating you up."
Miss Senecal's incident is not the first report of harassment by police officers sent to Negril to protect the young students on vacation.
A week ago another 'Spring Breaker' had reported that a policeman kept making social calls on her at a small property she was staying at in the resort town.
