THE BRITISH High Commis-sion has emphasised that its comments, published yesterday in The Gleaner, indicated that the British Government did not condone the activities carried out by the Crime Management Unit, that led to the allegations at Kraal in Clarendon, but made no recommendation concerning the reinstatement of Senior Superintendent of Police Reneto Adams.
Our headline, which indicated that British officials would not condone his return to active duties, was incorrect and we apologise for this inaccuracy.
We republish the commission's statement below:
"Because of its geographical location, Jamaica has historically been a major transhipment point for large quantities of cocaine, some of which is destined for the United Kingdom (U.K.) and the EU.
"The British Government continues to support Jamaican efforts to counter the global problem of drug trafficking and international crime. Future U.K. assistance to Jamaica will be considered in this context.
"We note that a decision is pending on the possible reinstatement of Reneto Adams into the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). We are clear that the British Government's support for the JCF in no way condones the activities carried out by the Crime Management Unit, that led to the allegations at Kraal in Clarendon.
"Supported by the U.K., the JCF is undergoing an important reform and modernisation programme. We believe that the JCF and the Government of Jamaica are working hard to ensure that the JCF becomes a more professional, highly regarded and transparent organisation. The British Government remains committed to supporting the JCF in this regard."
In 2003, four persons were killed in Kraal, Clarendon, in a police operation carried out by the now disbanded Crime Management Unit led by SSP Reneto Adams. The policemen were acquitted in December last year.
