Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer
NICHOLSON
SPANISH TOWN, St. Catherine:
MINISTER OF Justice, Senator A.J. Nicholson, has accused human rights lobby group Amnesty International of being biased in its pronouncements on Jamaica.
He was speaking on Wednesday at a graduation ceremony for 173 new police personnel at the Jamaica Police Academy in Twickenham Park, St Catherine.
According to Mr. Nicholson, Amnesty International is not fully aware of the circumstances confronting the police in Jamaica where gunmen are determined to cause mayhem and take innocent lives.
He also said the international body does not appreciate the Government's efforts for the training of constables.
"In this context Amnesty must ease up and show a little more balance in the description of Jamaica," the Justice Minister demanded.
In the most recent report on extrajudicial killings, Amnesty International said investigation into such deaths remains inadequate.
It also said the police failed to protect crime scenes.
Thirteen police personnel were killed last year and since the start of the year seven have been slain.
SPECIAL AWARDS
During Wednesday's graduation, Constable Krishna Walker received a special award for attaining the highest mark in the police training programme.
Other awards were presented for excellent display of Christian principles, leadership qualities and for the best all-round performances.
The latest batch of police personnel completed a six-month training course. Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas told the graduates that they will be faced with an enormous responsibility to disrupt criminal networks.
He also urged them to reject corruption.
