WE WOULD prefer not to second-guess the security forces when they carry out raids in pursuit of criminal suspects. We believe that they have a duty to go after suspects, whoever and wherever they are. No area and nobody should be above the law.
Yet, we are disturbed at the frequency with which the police make periodic and seemingly hamfisted forays into Tivoli Gardens in western Kingston, as against other violence-plagued communities in the Corporate Area, with resulting civilian casualties. Rarely, if ever, can the police report any substantial success from these interventions. Invariably, people from the area are left dead or wounded.
The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Bruce Golding, the Mayor of Kingston, Desmond McKenzie, and persons claiming to be eyewitnesses have repeated throughout the day yesterday, that a group of policemen opened fire indiscriminately and unprovoked on a group of persons of which they were a part, and who had gathered in close proximity to the Denham Town Police Station yesterday morning. At least three women were shot and wounded.
This is a very serious charge and warrants an investigation of the highest order by the High Command of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. For, if the circumstances are correct, as reported by these two senior public officials, then it suggests that the rogue element within the Police Force has become even more daring.
For their part, the police report that the raids were aimed at detaining persons, including two well-known men with links to Tivoli - Christopher Coke and Justin O'Gilvie - as they continued their investigations into the murders of two policemen and a security guard in May of this year. The public is being asked to believe that four months of painstaking investigations have led them to lock down not only Tivoli Gardens, but Denham Town and adjoining areas, as they went in pursuit of these men.
The siege mentality that has gripped Tivoli Gardens over many years may have been a factor in creating yet another seeming invasion by the security forces. The hostility the residents of Tivoli have shown to the police is obviously rooted in their experiences of brutality.
We were led to believe that the police are moving towards a more professional approach. Yesterday's incidents have again raised doubts, and the reaction from several quarters suggest that there must be a better way.
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
